Chapter 36

The funeral was a spectacle. Sabrina couldn't think of another word for it. Since Nate had technically been murdered in the line of duty, the PCPD requested to give him the send-off he deserved. As a result, officers from the NYPD and other surrounding jurisdictions would be making the trip to pay tribute to their fallen comrade. Sabrina, who had literally been running on autopilot since Nathan's death, had considered having a separate funeral for family and friends, but decided she couldn't handle it, so she opted just to have one service with an extended viewing time for family.

Sabrina hadn't had time to process or deal with her feelings over her husband's death, as there was too much to do. She had to take care of Nori while Megan was being questioned for Nate's murder. Unfortunately, Anna and Dante hadn't been able to find any physical evidence to connect Megan to the crime, so they were forced to let her go. Drew drove in from New York to stay with Sabrina and help plan the service while Felix helped Sabrina make calls and deal with the public outreach she'd received.

The day of Nate's funeral was the first time she met his parents. It was no wonder they were estranged. Although they were nice enough on the surface, Sabrina felt like they were only there to keep up appearances with the creme' de la' creme' of New York society, who expected them to attend their son's "hero" send-off. While Sabrina was glad to have Drew, Felix and her friends by her side, she was happy when Juan and Becky arrived. She hadn't seen Patrick or Emma yet. However, since Patrick had made himself scarce since the night at the hospital (for whatever reason), Sabrina wasn't surprised, though she hoped they would come.

When the doors opened, Sabrina was shocked by the sheer number of people waiting to pay their respects to her husband. So, she took her place beside his casket with the rest of his family. She greeted many officers from the PCPD and NYPD who spoke about how they were going to miss Nate. A while later, she saw Nicholas wheeling Robin into the church in a wheelchair.

"Robin? What on earth are you doing here? You should still be in the hospital!" Sabrina said as she kneeled down to her level.

Robin looked from Sabrina to Nathan and back and sighed. "I'm so very sorry, Sabrina. I can't stay for the service, but I had to come and pay my respects."

"Thank you. I can't tell you what that means to me." When Sabrina leaned in to give Robin a gentle hug, Robin whispered, "When you are up to it, we need to talk. It's important."

Sabrina responded that she would be in touch soon and stood up. After receiving a hug from Nicholas, she resumed her place.

Sabrina, as upset as she was, lit up when she saw Patrick and Emma a few minutes after Robin had gone, presumably back to the hospital. She received a hug and kiss from Emma, who then went to sit by Nori and keep her company, which made Sabrina smile. When Patrick reached her, he had a strange look on his face - almost guilty. Why would he feel guilty? He hugged her, probably a little longer and tighter than appropriate, and said again, "I wish I could have saved him for you, Sabrina." Sabrina whispered back, "I know, Patrick. Really. Thank you for what you did do for him - for us."

Sabrina was getting tired, but was okay greeting other guests - until Megan walked in. When Megan neared the front of the church, Sabrina snapped.

She moved to stand by the foot of Nate's casket, crossed her arms and ground out, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Megan, in a contrite, almost sad voice, said, "I've come to pay respects to the father of my child."

"Over. My. Dead. Body." Sabrina put her arm out to block her and added, "You're delusional if you think I'd let you anywhere near my husband after what you did."

Megan put a hand over her heart and shifted her face into a wounded look. "What did I do?"

"I know you murdered him in cold blood. I can't prove it, but I know it." Sabrina's voice rose uncontrollably and she shouted, "GET OUT!"

At her shout, Drew and Felix moved to stand behind her, blocking Megan's view of Nathan's body. As Anna and Dante approached, Megan said menacingly, "If you kick me out, you kick out Nori. I'm her mother and I will take her with me right now. Do you really want to piss me off?"

Before Sabrina could say anything, Drew chimed in. "Nori stays. You go. I'll bring her home later." When Megan took a step toward Nori, Drew hit her where it hurt. "How do you think it will look to your New York power players if you storm off with Nathan's daughter and deprive her of her last moments with her father? I'd hate to see tomorrow's society page…"

"Fine. I'll go. But this isn't over…"

Sabrina actually growled. "Leave now. Or, I swear to God, I will haul your devious ass out of here by your hair myself right now."

Sabrina breathed a sigh of relief when Megan turned on her heel and angrily sashayed down the aisle. (Was that even possible?)

Megan was fuming in the foyer. Who the hell does that little twit think she is? Humiliating her in public like that. Did she have any idea who she was dealing with?

Megan was about to leave the church when a hand clasped around her upper arm. Annoyed that she was caught off guard, Megan turned her head and saw that doctor who always hung around the twit - and he looked furious.

"What the hell?" she asked, offended. "Get your hand off me, now."

"Not so fast," he said, as he squeezed her arm tightly. "Not until you and I have a little chat."