“Excellent. To outside observers, the meeting is merely a social call. This case is sensitive and I do not want any risks. I need to find out if we can persuade Garrett Burke to be a mole for us. I want to learn more about what MacGowan's students are doing.”

“Sir, isn’t Wyl Sterling working from inside?”

“Yes, Healy. But Sterling is working at it from MacGowan’s angle. I need someone who can give us the perspective from the student’s angle.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Now… call Cross or Pearson and ask if you and Todd can meet them at their place for drinks.”

“Right away, sir.” Healy turned to go to his desk. “Oh…and sir?”

“Yes, Healy?”

“Thanks.”

“You’re a fine man, Paddy, and you do outstanding work. I should be thanking you.”

“No…thanks for acknowledging Todd.”

“Healy, what you do at home is your business. But it doesn’t mean I don’t recognize your relationship and happiness. Now go and make the call.”

Healy smiled and left O’Brien’s office.

He called Glenn Cross and proposed he and Todd visit them for drinks one evening. Glenn checked with James, and they agreed Saturday lunch would be better given James’s work schedule.

* * *

At eleven o’clock Saturday morning, the doorbell rang, and James answered.

“You must be Paddy Healy.” James offered his hand.

“And you’re James Pearson,” Paddy grasped the offered hand. “This is my partner Todd Fielding. We enjoy hearing you perform at Wilde’s.”

“Since you mention it, I recall seeing you both in the audience. Please…won’t you come in?” James stepped aside and motioned them inside.

Paddy and Todd entered.

“Hi, Paddy,” Glenn said. “We don’t often meet under such relaxed circumstances.”

“Hello, Glenn. You’re right. We’re usually in a hurry…and almost always in a rather secluded place. Glenn…this is my partner, Todd Fielding. Todd, this is Glenn Cross. I mentioned him before.”

“Ah yes, the Glenn Cross. I'm happy to finally meet you, Glenn.” Todd shook hands.

“Same here, Todd. Won’t you both have a seat?”

“What’s your pleasure, gents? How about a Bloody Mary? We’re having brunch, after all,” James offered.

“A Bloody Mary sounds ideal,” Paddy responded. “You want one, Todd?”

“You bet,” Todd answered. “Make mine spicy.”

“Oh, me too,” Paddy chimed in.

“Bloody Marys coming up.” James walked into the kitchen to prepare their drinks.

“So…I understand from your phone call this visit isn’t purely social.” Glenn sat across from Paddy and Todd.

“No,” Paddy said. “O’Brien is being extra cautious after the second student died under mysterious circumstances. He suggested I set up this meeting and bring Todd along so it appears we are two gay couples getting together.”

“So what does he have in mind?” James asked from the kitchen. He ran a lime slice along the rim of each glass before inverting it in salt.

“He wants to bring Garrett Burke in as a mole,” Paddy said. “Wyl Sterling is working on the case from the MacGowan perspective, but O’Brien wants someone in the trenches with the students…someone who can feed him information.”

“And bringing Garret Burke into the fold belongs to us, I suppose.” James brought the tray of Bloody Marys into the den and served everyone.

Paddy nodded. “Bingo.”

“I cemented a rapport with Garrett when I met him before,” Glenn said. “I found out he and Fergus became lovers, working on a long-term relationship. He appeared quite shaken over the death but determined to do whatever needed to help catch the person who took Fergus from him.”

“Did he give you his contact information?” James asked.

“Yes. I told Garrett I would keep him informed as new details arose.”

“Excellent,” James said. “You can give him a call and have a talk with him about working with us.”

“I think that's what O’Brien wanted.” Paddy sipped his Bloody Mary.

“Tell O’Brien we’ll set it up and report to him through the usual channel, you,” James nodded to Paddy.

Paddy said, “Perfect.”

“Are we ready to have brunch?” Glenn stood. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m getting hungry.”

* * *

After Paddy and Todd left, James went for his session at Wilde’s and Glenn placed a call to Garrett Burke.

“Hello?” Garrett answered his cell phone.

“Hi, Garrett, this is Glenn. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”

“Hi, Glenn. Not at all. What’s up?”

“Can you come to brunch tomorrow? I want you to meet my partner, James. I can tell you’re still new to the gay scene, and I thought seeing a committed couple might help ease your transition.”

“Wow, it sounds amazing. I would love to. What time and where?”

“How is ten o’clock?”