“Our flight leaves at 1:30,” Wyl said.

“I’ll pick you up at 11:45.”

“Perfect, Travers. Thanks.”

“My pleasure, sir.” Travers disconnected.

“What did he want?” Rod asked.

“He’s taking us to the airport.”

“Wow. I’m beginning to like this. Fancy rooms. Chauffeurs. I didn’t realize being a Marine included all these perks.”

Wyl gave out a hearty laugh. “It doesn’t, babe, but they need us.”

“If that’s the case, don’t you think they’ll do everything they can to protect us?”

“You’re right. I let myself worry.”

Rod walked over, cupped Wyl’s face, and gazed into his eyes. “It’s okay to worry about real things. Don’t fret about unknowns. Worries always appear overwhelming at night.”

* * *

Back on the ranch, the time vanished. They rode horses every day, enjoying the last vestiges of summer.

As their return to D.C. approached, they packed for their training and trip to Ireland. They hoped to be home by Thanksgiving. In fact, given the information about the mission, one or both might not come home at all.

CHAPTER FIVE

Back in D.C., they spotted Agent Travers as they came down the escalator to baggage claim.

“Agent Travers,” Wyl said. “You're a welcome sight.”

“Gentlemen," Travers nodded. "I will take you to your quarters and ensure your needs are met.”

“How far apart will we be?” Rod said.

“Colonel, the general requested you be housed together. We arranged a small garden home halfway between your training locations. You are quartered together for the duration of the training period.”

Wyl grabbed Rod’s hand and squeezed. “That’s fabulous, Travers. We wondered about living arrangements while we’re here.”

“The general asked Corporal Duggins to book VIP quarters for you together. Duggins said you impressed the general with your connection, and he wanted you to be together while you’re here.”

Rod and Wyl retrieved their bags and followed Agent Travers to the black government suburban.

Travers headed south on I-95 to Newington, an affluent suburb of D.C. He pulled into a gated community, punched in a code, and moved through the gate as it opened. Two blocks in, he pulled into the driveway of a lovely garden home.

“This is spiffy,” Wyl said.

Rod elbowed him. “Spiffy?”

“My dad used the word a lot,” Wyl chuckled.

“Gentlemen, follow me.”

Travers climbed out and waited.

Rod and Wyl joined him. “I’ll show you inside and make sure everything is to your liking.”

“What about our bags?” Rod said.

“I’ll bring those in once you have inspected the property,” Travers said.

Rod caught the occasional controlled smile interrupting Travers’ military demeanor and approach. A heart hid under his black suit.

They entered the living area—comfortable but not pretentious. The stocked kitchen included wine and a quart bottle of Tito’s. The bedroom included a king-size bed and a double shower.

“Everything in order, gentlemen?” Travers asked.

“It’s fabulous, Travers,” Wyl said. “As long as we’re together, the location doesn’t matter.”

“Yes, sir.” Travers placed their bags in the bedroom.

Rod checked out the wine selection while Wyl searched for martini glasses.

Travers cleared his throat. “Gentlemen, a car will come for each of you at 5:30 every morning starting tomorrow. You will have the weekends of the 25th and October 2nd free. You will transport to Ireland on Monday, the 4th. Any questions?”

“No, Travers. We’ll be ready,” Wyl said.

“Enjoy your evening, gentlemen,” Travers left and closed the door behind him.

Wyl and Rod stood in the quiet den of their temporary residence. “The adventure begins,” Wyl said.

* * *

At 4:15, the alarm woke them. They got up, showered together, shaved and groomed, dressed, ate breakfast, and prepared for their day. At Five-thirty on the dot, the doorbell rang.

“I hope your day goes well, babe,” Rod hugged Wyl and leaned in for a kiss.

Wyl kissed him back. “You, too”

They walked out, entered their respective government vehicles, and rode to their separate training sessions.

A long, uncertain day loomed.

CHAPTER SIX

The two weeks sped by. Rod kept busy learning how to be an undercover agent. Wyl kept busy outdoing all the young recruits in the training class before joining Rod for the final days of undercover training.