Page 233 of The Texas Sterling Collection
They finished their morning ritual and went to the kitchen to fix brunch. At ten o’clock, James heard a knock at the door and went to answer it.
“You must be Garrett.” He greeted their brunch guest. “I’m James. Please come in.”
“Hi James, it’s good to meet you,” Garrett stepped into the flat.
“Hey, Garrett,” Glenn said from the kitchen. “I’m glad you could come.”
“It smells fantastic in here,” Garrett said.
“He’s doing a breakfast casserole,” James said. “It’s one of my favorites. I’m sure you’ll love it.”
“It sounds good.” Garrett looked around the flat. “Nice place.”
“Thanks. Have a seat,” James motioned toward the overstuffed sofa. “Can I get you a Mimosa?”
“Sure. I’d love one.”
“As I recall, you and Fergus were thinking about a long-term relationship.” Glenn walked into the room.
“Fergus and I had grown quite close. We hadn’t said the L word yet, but I think we both felt it.”
“Committing to a relationship is a big step, but if true love is involved, it’s easy to make it work.” James brought a tray with a carafe of orange juice, a bottle of champagne, and three crystal flutes.
“So you two have been together a long time?” Garrett asked. He recalled the conversation by the river with Glenn.
“Yes, six years it is now.” Glenn watched James struggle with the champagne cork. “And we’re still happy together.”
“Babe, take this and open it, please.” James handed the champagne bottle to Glenn. “Garrett, you can always come to talk with us about relationships, or anything else for that matter.”
“Thanks. I don’t know what I’m going to do now that Fergus is gone,” Garrett choked up. “I was totally looking forward to settling down with him.”
Glenn held the cork firmly and twisted the bottle, sliding it out with a resounding pop. He handed the bottle back to James.
“I know you want to honor Fergus, and if you agree, we have a way you can do that,” Glenn said.
James poured orange juice into the flutes before carefully adding champagne. He handed a glass to Garrett and to Glenn. “We would like you to work for us, Garrett.”
“Work for you?” Garrett took a sip of his mimosa.
“We know your dad is a policeman, so you’ve been around law enforcement all your life. You know how important it is for people in law enforcement to protect citizens from those who would harm them,” Glenn said.
“I’m studying so I can enter law enforcement too. Maybe like Mr. Sterling, who came to talk to our class. Or maybe crime scene investigation.”
“That is good, Garrett. James and I are also in law enforcement; we are the behind-the-scenes personnel who support the Gardaí in their work. That’s why we’re involved in his case.”
“Case?” Garrett stared wide-eyed.
“Garrett, what I’m about to tell you is strictly confidential. You must promise never to share this information, not even with your family or closest friends. This is strictly between us three. Do you understand?” James waited for Garrett to nod or show agreement.
“Wow…this sounds serious,” Garrett said, his voice trembling with uncertainty. “Do I want to know about this?”
“You’re about to graduate, right? How would you like to start your career a bit early? This assignment almost guarantees a job waiting for you when you walk across that stage to shake Dr. Riordan’s hand.”
Garrett looked down at his mimosa, then took a sip before setting the glass on the table. He looked directly at James with a confidence on his face that wasn’t there before. “Give me the details.”
“Garrett, we think Keenan and Fergus may have been murdered,” Glenn stated.
“Murdered?” Garrett’s eyes widened.
