“Are you okay?” Wyl asked.

Rod shook his head. “No. If Declan can find someone to kill a student, he will have no problem doing the same thing to us.”

Wyl stood to massage his husband’s shoulders. “Babe, they need us. They need me to help finish what the student started. They need you because if anything happens to you, I won’t cooperate. As long as we are needed, we are safe.”

“And you have us watching your back,” James said. “And the four of us have An Garda Síochána at our disposal. One phone call and the local police are all over us.”

Rod sighed. “Thanks, guys. Hearing about the murder rattled me.”

Wyl kissed Rod’s temple. “Now, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Rod eyed Wyl. “This is a lot of information to absorb at one time.”

“How about a Bloody Mary refill?” Glenn asked. “I think we all need another round.”

Rod sat dazed. Murder?

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Late Sunday afternoon, the phone rang in Rod and Wyl’s flat.

“Wyl Sterling.”

“Wyl, Ailbe MacGowan here.”

“Hi, Ailbe. How are you?”

“Fine. You and Rod doing okay?”

“We’re taking it easy and enjoying the honeymoon.”

“Declan and I chatted about meeting at Wilde’s later. Would you two join us?”

“Wilde's sounds like fun, Ailbe. Let me check with Rod.” Wyl put his hand over the receiver. “Babe, are you interested in going to Wilde’s tonight with Ailbe and Declan?”

“It sounds like something we better do; don’t you think?” Rod whispered, not wanting to chance Ailbe hearing their conversation.

“Yes. We need to do everything we can to buy their confidence.” Wyl whispered back.

“I still can’t believe we are in the company of a possible murderer. We need to put up a unified front of friendship. Let’s go.” Rod whispered.

Wyl uncovered the receiver. “Ailbe, we’re in.”

“I’m glad, Wyl. Is five o’clock too early?”

Wyl glanced at his watch. “Five o’clock is fine. We’ll meet you.”

“Perfect. Later.”

“Bye.” Wyl hung up.

“Sounds like the stage is being set,” Rod said. “What do you want a bet tonight Ailbe asks for your help?”

“The timing is about right, Rod. But remember…we’re a honeymooning couple. Do you think you can be married for one evening?”

“Yes, for much more than one evening. How about 75 years?” Rod laughed. “Hmmm…that would make you…”

“Still younger than you,” Wyl chuckled, handing Rod his coat. “Let’s focus on getting through tonight.”

They tugged on their coats and walked out the door.

* * *

“Hey, Texans.” Ailbe greeted Rod and Wyl, already seated at a table.

“Hi, you two,” Wyl stood to greet them with a handshake.

“I love this place.” Ailbe sat.

Declan walked around the table, huffed as he pulled out a chair and sat, glaring at Ailbe.

The barmaid came to the table and brought drinks. Rod and Wyl ordered for the four of them, remembering Declan liked Guinness and Ailbe liked Bulmers.

“You guys have quite the memory,” Declan’s smile replaced the scowl.

“This is what you drank at O’Connell’s after Rod’s presentation,” Wyl said. “Since O'Connell's is a regular after-work stop, we figured it a safe bet you always order the same thing.”

“We are creatures of habit,” Ailbe said. “Predictable to a fault.” His eyes focused on Declan as he spoke.

“I think we all develop habits,” Rod said. “And speaking of which, I like coming here and listening to Pearson.”

“Pearson is quite talented,” Declan added. “And it’s not opera.”

“For sure not opera,” Rod chuckled. “I wish I possessed his knack for the guitar.”

“You don’t play?” Declan asked.

“No, it’s one instrument I never learned. Wyl tried to teach me but got other ideas.” He took Wyl’s hand and winked at him.

Wyl blushed. “Yes, well, a certain professor put a spell on me.”

Rod squeezed Wyl’s hand. “I need a loo break.”

“Me too,” Wyl said.

They stood and walked toward the Men’s Room.

“Sorry if I embarrassed you, babe,” Rod whispered as they maneuvered through the tables.