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.”
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.
