“Well, it is our ranch.”

“Yes, but I remember how owning half a ranch intimidated you.”

“It’s a good thing you dragged me kicking and screaming onto the ranch and made me accept my half.”

“The only kicking and screaming I recall is when you didn’t want to come back to the ranch with me after I forced myself into your home to apologize.” Wyl laughed.

“And you came and got your man.”

“Because my brother ordered me to.”

“During our blackout, marriage never crossed my mind.” Rod’s hazel eyes sparkled at Wyl.

“I thought of you as my husband even before our marriage,” Wyl said.

“I’m glad,” Rod said.

Mid-afternoon, Wyl’s horse faltered and began favoring one hoof. Wyl tugged the reins to stop the steed. “I need to check his hooves for stones.”

“Okay,” Rod pointed. “I’ll ride over to that bluff and grab a few shots of the Atlantic coast.”

Wyl nodded. “I’ll join you in a minute.” He dismounted. “Don’t wander too far.”

Rod shook his head and rode ahead while Wyl lifted the horse’s hoof and removed the small stone, careful not to injure the horse. He saddled up and galloped on to join Rod.

Rod’s horse stood near the bluff. He rode over and dismounted, thinking it strange Rod didn’t tie his horse to a nearby tree before heading to the bluff. Wyl scarcely glanced at the magnificent view overlooking the ocean. He must find Rod.

“Rod,” he called in a loud voice. “Rod!” he yelled, hoping his husband would appear.  Nothing.

He pulled out his cell phone to call Rod. No service. He grabbed the reins of Rod’s horse and mounted his own steed. He rode back and forth along the bluff, shouting for Rod but getting no response. After half an hour of searching, he galloped toward their starting point.

As he returned the horses, he pulled out his cell phone and called Rod. The person you have called is out of range or has powered off the phone. He grumbled as he stabbed at the screen to disconnect that call. He scrolled through his contacts to find General Steinburg and jabbed the screen to call.

“Steinburg,” the General answered.

“I think they kidnapped Rod.” His breath came in gasps, and his heart pounded.

“Where are you,” General Steinburg asked.

“Carrowholly Stables in County Westport,” Wyl said. “We took a weekend horseback ride. A stone lodged in one of my horse’s hooves, so I stopped to remove it while Rod rode on ahead. When I got to his location I found his riderless horse, but no Rod.” Wyl realized his panic resulted in shouting.

“Wyl…calm down. We’ll locate him. I'll call Commissioner Kane. He’ll mobilize Garda and find Rod.”

“Thanks, General Steinburg. I’ll work with my locals on things from this end.”

“Keep me posted, Wyl.”

“Yes, sir, General.” Wyl disconnected and raced to the Carrowholly office to check out.

* * *

“Glenn Cross.”

“Glenn, Wyl Sterling. I think they took Rod.”

“Wyl, who are they?”

“It must be Ailbe and Declan. We took a horseback ride in Westport County, and Rod disappeared.”

“Disappeared?” Glenn asked. “Didn't you ride together?”

“My horse picked up a stone, so I stopped to dislodge it while Rod rode over the next rise for a photo of the coast. I found a riderless horse, but no Rod.”

“Did you share your plans with them?”

“Yes. I mentioned our weekend horseback riding in Westport County to Ailbe. It wouldn’t take long to find us.”

“Shite. Who have you told?”

“I called General Steinburg, and he said he would call Commissioner Kane. I’m sure Kane contacted O’Brien by now.”

“O’Brien hasn't contacted us. We must act immediately.” Glenn’s worried voice further agitated Wyl. “Have you been contacted?”

Wyl’s phone beeped with an incoming second call. Wyl checked the display. Rod’s phone. “It’s Rod. I’ll call you back.” He pressed to take the second call. “Where are you?” Wyl asked. “I am worried sick.”

“I have something you want, and you have something I want,” Ailbe said.

Shock coursed through Wyl. He swallowed, emotions of rage and fear duking it out in his mind. He took a calming breath. “Is Rod safe?”

“That depends on you.” Ailbe's confident sneer irritated him.

Wyl paused, stemming the anger boiling inside of him. “I swear, if you hurt him, I’ll hunt you down and make sure you don’t kill any more innocent men.”

“If you want to hold your precious husband again, you better change your attitude, Mr. Sterling.” The word emphasis caught Wyl’s attention.

Wyl swallowed, his torso trembling, his hands shaking, and his face hot. Through gritted teeth, but in as calm a voice as possible, he asked, “What do you want, Ailbe?”

“You and me and the world.” The words rolled off Ailbe’s tongue like fine verse.

Wyl thought long and hard. Game, he kept telling himself. Play the game. Ailbe must believe he is in charge.

“I’ve been thinking about our conversation over lunch the other day. We do make an unbeatable team. Perhaps I put a bug in the code so you would need me.” Wyl kept his voice soft, with a pleading edge.

No response from Ailbe.

“Ailbe?”

“You expect me to believe that?” Ailbe asked.