“It’s okay,” Wyl said. “We ended up together.”

“Boy howdy!” Rod said louder than intended. Heads turned as they walked past.

As they neared the men’s room, Wyl leaned over and whispered to Rod,” Are you okay? You're acting a bit tense.”

“I’m fine,” Rod whispered back as they entered. “But Declan and Ailbe make me uneasy. The more I’m around them, the less I trust them. And much less after my nightmare and hearing about the murder. Something about their demeanor screams career criminals.”

They stood side-by-side at the wall-urinal while doing their business.

Wyl bumped Rod with his shoulder. “Like I said, they need us, or we wouldn’t be here. We have the power now.

“What?” Rod shook, tucked, and zipped.

Wyl stowed his manhood and buttoned his fly. “If we are out of the picture, their success is jeopardized.”

Rod washed his hands. “How so?"

"They need me to ensure their code succeeds."

Keep reminding me.”

“Remember, no matter what happens, I’m on your side.” Wyl washed his hands.

They dried their hands and returned to the table.

“I mentioned to Declan how your crowd-handling skills enhanced your presentation,” Ailbe said. “And you handled my students with ease. The volume of questions amazed me.”

“Gee, Ailbe, you sure can butter a guy up.” Wyl risked a stab at what he figured to be Ailbe’s ultimate plans. With an engaging smile, he said, “It sounds like you want something else.”

“Since you mention it, I wonder if you might consider helping me.” Ailbe sported a coy smile.

Uh-oh…here it comes. Rod wiped the Guinness foam from his upper lip. He studied his beer glass, avoiding eye contact with everyone at the table.

“Help with what, Ailbe?” Wyl raised one eyebrow.

“I have this massive course project to grade. I escalated the due date to give me time to finish, but the project is complex, and I can use assistance. Would you be willing to review the projects?”

Wyl didn’t buy for a minute the pleading tone in Ailbe's voice, but he kept a smile on his face. “I never graded schoolwork. I’m not sure I'll do a competent job.”

"Review the student projects to determine if the code will work. For a man with your skills, think of it as similar to reading a primary school essay.”

Based on his review of Fergus Rafferty’s work, he could uncover any errors. Grading for Ailbe also allows him to inspect the entire project. Unlike looking at only one piece, the whole project opens up the intricacies of Ailbe’s plan.

“Since you put it that way, I'm happy to help. And Rod's background in grading student work means he can help me. When is the project due?”

“October 22nd.” Ailbe stifled a frown at Rod’s involvement. “Semester end is six weeks later, but I'd take a month to complete all the projects. With your help, I can ensure the projects are valid and complete sooner than planned.”

“I'll need a few days to prepare,” Wyl said. “Can you send me the project parameters, so I understand what I’m grading?”

“I’m happy to, Wyl.” A sinister smile crossed Ailbe’s face. He didn’t bother to disguise his pleasure at having snagged a coding expert to help him.

“Our email address is sterlingranchers@gmail.com."

Ailbe made a note on the back of a paper napkin. “Thanks, Wyl.” He smiled and winked. “I’ll send the information tomorrow morning.”

The evening passed without further mention of the project, and they said their goodbyes in the parking lot as they prepared to leave.

“We enjoyed visiting with you, chaps,” Declan said as he shook hands with each.

“We enjoyed it too, guys,” Rod said. They turned to the car.

Rod glanced at Wyl as he drove them back to the flat. “The evening went well.” Dealing with murderers still bothered him.

“The bait went out, and we allowed ourselves to be hooked,” Wyl said. “I hope you’re more confident about the mission.”

“As long as you’re with me. I’m beginning to adjust to the whole game thing. If I focus on that, it’s easier.”

“It’s like chess, babe. Each holds the upper hand at some point. We must be the side to take the queen.”

“No pun intended,” Rod coughed a nervous chuckle.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

After breakfast, Wyl grabbed his laptop to check his email. A new message from Ailbe popped in. He clicked to download the attachment and open it.

“Interesting,” Wyl said.

“What is?” Rod asked. From the kitchen, breakfast dishes clinked as he loaded the dishwasher.

“Ailbe’s course project. As I review the parameters, the project is geared toward one unified goal. Ailbe mentioned the students worked on their individual assignments at first. When I scroll through the twenty individual projects, they dovetail in a logical sequence.”

“You think the murdered student figured out the same thing?” Rod said.

“Yes, and I think he told Ailbe, and I think Ailbe told Declan, and I think Declan took care of things.” He glanced at Rod’s face. A wrinkled brow and narrow eyes stared back at him. Rod’s lips flattened in a grimace.

Rod shook his head. “I don’t like this at all. Nobody said anything about people getting killed. When we went through training in D.C., we learned about weapons. I never thought a cybercrime would involve murder.”

Wyl stood and wrapped his husband in a warm embrace. “Relax, babe. We’re not the ones targeted here.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Rod pushed out of the hug. “They snuffed out a young student's life to protect a scheme.”

Wyl stood in helpless silence as Rod stared out the front windows. Noiseless traffic flowed on the street below.

Seconds later, Rod turned to Wyl. “If they are willing to kill to keep their plan going, what makes you think they won’t murder us if they find out we’re trying to stop them?”

Wyl walked over and grasped Rod’s shoulders. “I don’t have an answer, babe. Remember, General Steinburg mentioned criminals hacking into the Irish banking system, and money is involved. Huge sums. None of it led me to expect a murder, but we both understood the element of danger existed.”

“Yes, but a huge difference exists between an element of danger and death!” Rod emphasized the words. “After we met, I went into a panic when you didn’t show up on campus for two weeks, and I panicked when you fled from the Dusty confrontation. I can’t handle the thought of you in a life-or-death situation. My dream made it worse.” Rod threw his arms up and twisted out of Wyl’s hold.