"Richard, wake up. It's time."

"Who are you, I need to know."

"I'm someone who like you cares about Katie. I am her mother. Now we have a lot to do, with only a small amount of time to do it in."

"Am I going to die today?"

"Richard, I hope that you won't there are no guarantees in life. However, there are sacrifices that we sometimes need to make to ensure that what you feel for my Katie will be carried on. I know that you love her."

"I do. Ever since that day when the two of you were on the sidewalk. The connection we shared was strong and has only grown since then."

"Then you know how big of a sacrifice you will be making today."

Rick jolts from his sleep. It's close to six thirty in the morning. He knows that he has to save her from what's going to happen today. His affairs are all taken care of. He actually is amazed how easily it all went. All his real estate properties and the bulk of his cash will be given to Kate. It's the least he can do for her. He wants her to do whatever she wants with the money. He'd really like to see her out of law enforcement entirely, but he thinks that she would keep on doing what makes her happy.

"Papa, do you think that Rick will be able to save Kate?"

"Vanessa, when someone sets their mind to a task anything is possible."

"Are we going to the funeral?"

"You, my child are going nowhere near the cemetery today. I don't want you being caught up in any dangerous situations. That goes for your brother as well. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, papa."

"I, on the other hand, will be there, but only from a safe distance."

"Now get finished and tell your brother we're leaving for church in ten minutes."

"Okay." Vanessa agrees.

Rick listened at the bedroom door to the conversation and the front door being shut before he went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. As he sat at the kitchen table he thought about the task he was facing today. He could not fail. He would not fail. After a quick shower he dressed and retrieved the will he had drawn up explaining the money he left for Robbie, Jude, and Vanessa. He wanted to provide for Robbie for all the help had given him. He knew a million dollars in a trust for his children was excessive, but he wanted them taken care of. If he was able to do it for them so be it. He left the will, the account paperwork on the table each with a small note explaining what it was for.

He was dressed in dark blue. He made fun of himself as he looked in the mirror. He looked like a cop. Which now after he thought about it would work to his advantage. He would blend in with the people there. He looked around the apartment for what he thought might be the last time. Locking the door, he placed the key to the apartment under the front mat and turned to leave. He stepped outside and took in the bright sun-filled blue sky. He hailed a taxi and soon one pulled over to him. He got in and handed the address to toe driver and they were off.

Xx

Kate was a wreck. Mostly emotionally. She spent all night trying to write something to honor her Captain's life and his accomplishments. She was lost. He thoughts kept coming back to how he had been a part of her mother's death. Not directly mind you but his involvement covering it up was just as painful nonetheless. She had the beginnings of her eulogy, now she was going to need to improvise the rest of it as she spoke. Noticing the time, she showered, added a minimal amount of makeup and put on her dress blues. She had not worn them since graduating from the academy years ago. Ready to leave she gave Espo and Ryan a quick call to see if they were still going to meet for coffee before the funeral. They were. She walked into the diner not too far from the 12th and sat down at the booth across from them.

"Guys, what I'm about to say never leaves this table." When she was acknowledged with nods she continued.

"Roy was into matters that we don't need to reveal to anyone else. He will be remembered for the positive accomplishments during his career. I for one am not going to let this incident tarnish his name. IA has completed their investigation into the shooting at the hanger at the airport in Jersey. The shooting was justified in taking down a criminal at large."

"Beckett, what about the new Captain who replaces him?" Espo asked.

"Guys, everything is done and over with. Let's just move on, bury our friend and honor him."

"You're right Kate." Ryan said.

"Are you guys ready to go, we only have about an hour before we need to meet the procession at the funeral home." Kate said.

They both nodded once again. The left a tip for the waitress and exited the booth. Getting in the unmarked car Espo was driving Ryan was in the passenger seat and Kate was in the back. As they drove she had a feeling that something was off. A feeling of apprehension she thought, one that she shouldn't ignore but after they arrived at the funeral home it had evaporated. The ride to the cemetery was an intense one. Knowing that this was the last time they would see their Captain. When they arrived at the grave site, Kate took in her surroundings. The podium was directly under a maple tree providing shade from the sun that would definitely be high in the sky later. She looked around at the chairs that were placed in front of where the casket would later rest.

Xx

Rick was waiting for the right time. If he acted too soon or too late he would lose her. He had arrived before the procession of cars and motorcycles. Giving him time to look for the best vantage point to do what needed to be done. He watched the wind kick up slightly and the leaves of a maple tree rustled. He looked down from the leaves and noticed the podium right below. Walking around the massive tree trunk he found a place where he could be a mourner from a distance and still be in a position to act. The podium was about eight feet from the tree. He knew that it would be a physical necessity on his part to be able to jump after running to her, but he knew he could do it.

As he walked away from the tree he noticed the procession arriving. Finding a place to conceal his presence, for now, he finds a section of unoccupied grass by a small pathway and watches. The police vehicles slowly roll up and come to a stop. The pall bearers take position alongside of the casket as it's drawn from the hearse. There are three uniformed officers, Kate and her partners. They walk slowly to where the casket will be laid for the short service. Placing it down Kate looks to see Evelyn and her children finally realizing what Roy had sacrificed. She moves to the podium and takes her notes and places them down. She takes in a deep breath and starts her eulogy.

Rick moves in closer to the trunk of the tree watches and listens. She tells the mourners that her Captain lived for the job, but still was able to have a family. Watch them grow and become young adults. She pauses and looks over to the casket then resumes her speech. Rick is scanning the headstones that are in front of her. He knows it's coming but he can't see where the sniper is lying in wait. He moves to the other side of the tree and now he hears exactly what she's saying from his vision. He follows along with the speech knowing exactly when he should be in motion. As she arrives at the word he knows to be the one, he takes to a sprint and launches himself as he yells out loudly "KATE!"

The shot is fired with accuracy. As it travels along its deadly path, Rick is in midair turning his body with his back towards Kate. When he yelled her name she instinctively moved back from the podium allowing him to come between it and her. The projectile hit its mark with such force that Rick is pushed back into Kate and they both fall to the ground. Robbie just closes his eyes. He hopes that everything will be fine, but from the looks of it, Rick will not survive the hit….