“Works for me.”

“CityPoint Apartments in Eyre Square. We’re in 202.”

Garrett made a note of the location. “Thanks, Glenn. I’m looking forward to the visit. Since Fergus died, I don’t have anyone. This is what I needed this weekend.”

“I’m glad you can come. Bring your appetite!”

“Will do. Bye.”

“Bye.” Glenn hung up. What do university students eat?

* * *

At 8:30 Sunday morning, the alarm went off beside the bed. Glenn reached over to the nightstand and punched the snooze button.

James rolled over and peered at his husband through eye slits. “Too early to be getting up, isn’t it?” Deep sleep rasped his voice.

“We have Garrett Burke coming for brunch this morning, remember?”

“Oh yes…the case. We’re supposed to be a happily married gay couple, right?”

“Think you can play the part for the morning?”

“Not if I have to crawl out of bed at the arse-crack of dawn,” James grumbled, rolling over to go back to sleep. Glenn got out of bed and padded to the bathroom.

Two minutes later, the alarm went off again.

“Shite!” James groused, throwing Glenn’s pillow at the offending sound and knocking the alarm clock onto the floor. It continued its relentless beeping until James scooted over to Glenn’s side of the bed and silenced it. He sat up, rubbed his eyes, and padded to the bathroom.

Glenn peeked around the shower curtain. “Well, is Mr. Sunshine ready to face his day?” He asked.

James shuddered at Glenn's cheerfulness so early on a Sunday. “Feckin’ work until midnight. And feckin’ must wake at this unholy hour to play host,” James grumbled. He glared at Glenn’s reflection in the mirror.

“I’ll be done in a sec, and you can shower,” Glenn closed the curtain again.

James brushed his teeth, and as he rinsed his mouth, the shower turned off, and the curtain opened.

“This Garrett guy, how much info do you have about him?” James asked.

Glenn reached for his towel. “He’s a student of MacGowan’s. I checked him out to be sure he didn’t have a record, and he’s clean.” Glenn threw the towel around his back and dried it. “I asked MI-5 to run a check on his family, and his father is a policeman in Liverpool. The kid's been around law enforcement his entire life.” He stepped out of the tub and continued toweling off.

“So you’re confident he can handle this undercover responsibility?” James shucked his boxers and stepped into the tub.

“O’Brien didn’t realize it, but he picked the perfect student for what he wants.” Glenn wrapped the towel around his waist and moved to the sink to shave.

They finished their morning ritual and went to the kitchen to fix brunch. At ten o’clock, someone knocked and James went to answer it.

“You must be Garrett.” He greeted their brunch guest. “I’m James. Please come in.”

“Hi James, it’s capital to meet you,” Garrett stepped into the flat.

“Hey, Garrett,” Glenn said from the kitchen. “I’m glad you made it.”

“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 delicious.” Garrett gazed around the flat. “Lovely place.”

“Thanks. Have a seat,” James motioned toward the overstuffed sofa. “Can I pour you a Mimosa?”

“Of course.”

“As I recall, you and Fergus considered entering a long-term relationship.” Glenn walked into the room.

“Fergus and I grew quite close. We did not say the L word yet, but I think we both felt it.”

“Committing to a relationship is a challenge, 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 now.” Glenn eyed James's 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.”

“Thanks. It's hard with Fergus gone,” Garrett choked up. “We intended to live together after the semester ended.”

Glenn held the cork and twisted the bottle, sliding the cork 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,” Glenn said.

James poured orange juice into the flutes before 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 checked you out and discovered your dad is a policeman, so you’ve been around law enforcement all your life. You understand the importance of law enforcement protecting citizens from those who would do harm.” Glenn said.

“I’m studying so I can enter law enforcement, too. Perhaps something similar to Mr. Sterling, who came to talk to our class. Or possibly crime scene investigation.”

“Two excellent options, Garrett. James and I are in law enforcement, too; we are the behind-the-scenes guys who help the police do their jobs. That’s why we’re involved in his case.”

“Case?” Wonderment showed in Garrett's face.

“Garrett, what I’m about to tell you is 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 critical,” Garrett's voice trembled, reflecting his uncertainty. “But, me?”

“You’re set to graduate, right? How would you like to start your career a bit early? This step almost guarantees a job waiting for you when you walk across the stage to shake Dr. Riordan’s hand.”