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.
They had a couple of days before their flight to Ireland on October 4th. Back in their temporary housing, they enjoyed martinis while chatting about their free days.
“Do you have anything in mind for the weekend?” Rod said.
“We’ve been going all day, every day. How about we relax around here? Although we understand the mission's parameters, we don’t have a clue what we will encounter in Ireland. I want to enjoy this weekend with you.”
“I’m so glad,” Rod said. “I wouldn’t mind seeing the Library of Congress. Or perhaps the Museum of American History at the Smithsonian, home of many historical musical instruments. I’ve been in D.C. a few times but have never seen either.”
“How about we rent a car and drive to the naval base at Annapolis?” Wyl said. “The Marines are a branch of the Navy. The naval base is historic. A good place to learn about the history of our branch of service, colonel.”
“I love your idea.” Rod nuzzled Wyl’s ear. “Since I’m a colonel, I should be more aware of Navy and Marine history. Do you think Travers would take us?”
Wyl shrugged and kissed Rod’s nose. “I’ll give him a call.”
* * *
They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on Saturday morning before showering and dressing. Travers arrived at 10:00, and they climbed into the back seat to be chauffeured to the Naval base at Annapolis.
“General Steinburg alerted the base to your visit,” Travers said. “They’ll have a guide waiting to escort you through the compound.”
