At the Gardaí station, O’Brien settled into his office. “Healy!” he shouted.
“Yes, Chief.” Sergeant Healy appeared in the doorway.
“After my conversation with Rafferty’s neighbor Grace Hallion, and from the details of Glenn Cross’s conversation with Garrett Burke, I’m concerned for the safety of the other students. I want you to meet with Pearson and Cross to discuss my concern. This is best done in person rather than over the phone.”
“Yes, sir,” Healy responded. “I will set something up with them.”
"How about you and Todd meeting them for drinks or something.”
“Todd, sir?”
“Healy, I don’t want to take advantage of your relationship, but do you think Todd would mind playing along?”
“Sir, Todd will help if I ask him.”
“Well?”
“I’ll ask him.”
“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.”
