Glenn nodded. “Speaking of organized, our combined intel indicates MacGowan plans something, but we can't determine what or when. Chief Superintendent O’Brien hopes you can become close enough to MacGowan to ferret out details, Wyl.”
“We need someone on the inside who can access his plans,” James gulped the end of his mimosa.
"In an unbelievable twist of fate, we met MacGowan and Knowlan yesterday,” Wyl said. “We went to the tra…uh…” he snapped fingers at Rod.
“Racecourse,” Rod chuckled.
“Yeah…racecourse yesterday and bumped into them. I think it surprised us all.”
“Wow,” James said. “I didn’t expect you to connect until this week…at one of your sessions.”
“We thought that, too,” Rod said. “It surprised us both when we sat with them and discovered the connection.”
“Anything surprising come about as far as the conversation went?” Glenn asked.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. Introductions and small talk,” Wyl said. “We discussed meeting them at Wilde’s but didn’t set a firm date. They enjoy your music, James.”
“We both detected what appeared to be a sinister side to Declan,” Rod said. “Friendly enough, but he gave me the creeps.”
“I’ve seen them in Wilde’s Pub and said hello to them while I worked the room before I started my session, but I never conversed with them,” James said. “They appear normal enough, but as you mentioned, Rod, a detectible undercurrent of seediness hovers around them.”
“Be cautious around them,” Glenn said. “They are not to be trusted.”
Rod nodded and drained his glass. “All right, everyone in the kitchen. I’ll start the French toast.
“Glenn, if you’ll take the cream out of the refrigerator and whip it up for fruit topping. A bowl and whisk are on the counter, and a serving spoon to add to the bowl when you finish. Add a drop of vanilla and a spoonful of sugar. You’ll find both on the counter.”
“James, you take the fruit from the refrigerator and stir the bowl so the juice coats all the pieces. Take a spoon from the drawer,” Rod pointed. “Put the bowl on the table when you finish.”
He turned to Wyl, “Babe, turn on the coffee, and freshen our mimosas.”
“Yes, sir,” the three responded as if in military unison. They chuckled as they tackled their assigned tasks.
The aroma of grilled French toast filled the air, combined with the scent of fresh brewed coffee. Everyone sat at the table ten minutes later, and the meal began.
“Wow…this is quite tasty, Rod. Where did you learn to do this?” Glenn asked.
“My husband is a genius in the kitchen,” Wyl said. “I’m surprised we both don’t weigh three-hundred pounds!”
“I must say you are both quite trim,” James said. “Such a handsome couple.”
“We eat right,” Rod said. “Healthy eating is tasty eating. Like today. Fresh, and with only a minimum of fat.”
They finished the French toast, and Rod cleared the dishes while Wyl brought more coffee with the fresh fruit.
“How much field experience does your background include, Wyl?” James spooned fresh fruit into his bowl.
“I served in the US Marine for 15 years,” Wyl said. “At one point, a group of Italian subversives captured me and demanded I break into their government computer system. During the abduction, they shot me but didn’t give me medical attention. The bullet went all the way through my shoulder. It still aches when cold weather hits. They held me in a dirty room with nothing but a bucket for a toilet. I still experience occasional claustrophobia and loud noises…gunfire in particular…panic me.”
“He worries about being captured, and with his history, it comes as no surprise,” Rod said. “He’s also fearful of other loud, unexpected noises. He can fire a gun without issue, but taking a bullet in Italy impacted more than his shoulder.”
“Captivity is something I’ll avoid repeating,” Wyl said.
"What a gruesome experience,” Glenn said. “I’m sure it made you more aware of your surroundings in unknown locations.”
“Like Ireland,” James said. “What about you, Rod?”
“I have no field experience, military or civilian,” Rod said. “It surprised us when the government tapped me for this role. I worked in the corporate world until my first husband left me. I moved into higher education, which is fulfilling but not a thrill minute.”
James chuckled. “Wait a minute. The campus shootings in the States are all over the news. Perhaps safety on campus is misplaced.”
“No place is safe,” Glenn added.
“I got freaked earlier today,” Rod said. “Wyl said 'staying alive,' and used the word 'dead.' The cold reality of not surviving hit me, and I panicked.”
“One passionate kiss, and he forgot all about death and dying,” Wyl chuckled.
“Yeah…Wyl has this way about him.” Rod laughed.
“It's amazing how tight you two are,” Glenn said. “James said he detected the unique bond when he first met you at the club. I understand what he meant.”
“We’re lucky to have found each other,” Wyl said.
“Glenn and I have a combined twenty years as agents. We flew to London two weeks ago for a briefing. We learned about you two and how your experience and expertise fit perfectly with the mission. Please realize we are here to protect and support you. Your combination of skills combined with your relationship is enviable. Getting in tight with MacGowan and Knowlan is the key to determining what MacGowan’s plan is and shutting it down. Keep our phone numbers handy as we move through the next couple of weeks. We’re your first line of defense at any sign of danger.”
Rod sighed. “You don’t realize how much it means to us, James. The one thing worse than the fear of the unknown is the fear of being alone. Having you two at our backs makes me more confident we’ll come out of this unscathed.”
“Things may become dicey, Rod,” Glenn said. “But you and Wyl are aces. Nothing can beat the combination we four bring to the table.”
