Garrett studied his drink and took a sip before setting the glass on the table. He met James' eyes with new confidence on his face. “Give me the details.”

“Garrett, we think Keenan and Fergus may have been murdered,” Glenn stated.

“Murdered?” Garrett’s eyes widened.

“We're sure you realized Fergus' death did not occur accidentally,” Glenn said.

“I did and provided my thoughts to the police,” Garrett said. “Fergus was one of the most conscientious people ever. He would never electrocute himself in the bath. But Keenan too?” Garrett gasped.

“Another Mimosa?” Glenn asked.

Garrett nodded. “Yes, please…a large one!”

Glenn went to the kitchen, pulled down a tumbler, and made Garrett another Mimosa.

“Garrett…we suspect Dr. MacGowan had something to do with the murders,” James said.

“Dr. MacGowan?” Garrett accepted the second Mimosa from Glenn and took a gulp.

“Yes, and we are concerned about the safety of the other lads in the course.” James picked up his own glass and sipped.

“Aren’t the Gardaí working on this?” Garrett asked.

“Garrett, we are working with the police. Are you familiar with undercover cops?"

Garrett nodded.

"We're British agents,” James waved his finger back and forth between Glenn and himself.

“We need someone inside McGowan's classroom. Someone the students are comfortable around. We want the someone to be you,” Glenn said.

Garrett took another gulp of his mimosa. “So, what do you need me to do?”

“Are your classmates aware you’re gay?” Glenn asked.

“I never admitted it to the guys, but I think they all figured out Fergus and I were tight…more than mates,” Garrett said.

"So, it won’t be unusual for you to hang out with a couple of gay guys like us,” James said. “It’s the perfect cover. You’re being consoled for your loss and seeking the companionship of two close friends.”

“Count me in,” Garrett said. “I want to catch the feckers who killed Fergus.”

James scooted over and put his arm around Garrett. “I’m glad you’ll help us, Garrett. And it’s okay to miss him. You’re with friends, and since we’re working together, you can always talk to us about your feelings.”

“Thanks, guys,” Garrett said.

“I think the breakfast casserole should be ready.” Glenn stood to walk into the kitchen. “Why don’t you two have a seat at the table, and I’ll bring everything in.”

“I’m ready,” James said. “C’mon, Garrett. Let’s eat!”

CHAPTER THIRTY

Sunday afternoon, the flat phone rang.

Wyl answered. “Hello?”

“Wyl, Ailbe MacGowan here.”

“Oh, hi, Ailbe.”

“Did you two enjoy a relaxing weekend?”

“Yes. We spent time lounging around the flat. We’ve been on the go daily since we arrived, so we enjoyed hibernating.”

“Excellent. Declan and I never quite manage much on the weekends. I’m not keen on driving around the countryside.”

“Come to our ranch sometime. You two would love it.”

“A trip to Texas sounds interesting,” Ailbe said. “Perhaps in the spring.”

You’ll be in Wheatfield or Dochas prison by spring. “So, what’s up?”

“What’s on your calendar for tomorrow?" Ailbe asked. "Are you still up for a meeting about grading the project?”

Wyl glanced at Rod and winked, a sign things moved forward. “Sure. I read through the information you sent and think I have a solid grasp of the project.”

“Excellent. I figured you to decipher the overall plan.”

“With my experience, I'll spot the dovetailing you mentioned. You have a sharp group of lads if they figured it out.”

Ailbe coughed. “Excuse me. Something in my throat. Come by my office around 8:30. We’ll have a chance to chat before my class.”

“Sounds like a plan. And Ailbe, I’m glad to lend a hand.”

“Thanks. I appreciate the help.”

“Bye,” Wyl hung up the phone.

“What did Ailbe want?” Rod asked.

“I’m meeting him at his office tomorrow morning. The fun is about to begin.”

Wyl’s cell phone rang. Glenn Cross. “Hey Glenn, what’s up?”

“Garrett Burke came to brunch. He's a friend of Fergus Rafferty and one of MacGowan’s students. We pulled Garrett into the mission as an inside mole. You are monitoring things from MacGowan’s perspective. Garrett will monitor any unusual student activity and keep us informed. If MacGowan does anything suspicious toward one or more of the students, we can intervene before it gets out of hand.”

“Rod will relax a bit knowing one more person is working to keep us safe.”

“Best to Rod.” Glenn disconnected.