It's 7:00 am on Monday morning the day of the funeral. Riley, Kayla, Sam and Oliver have been up for the past hour and are in their dress uniforms standing in the kitchen. While the others are starting to stir
Sam: how are you doing?
Riley: my stomach is in my throat and I feel like I am gonna be sick
She leans over the kitchen sink and throws up her breakfast
Oliver: hey why are you so nervous?
Riley: I have to get up in front of everyone and give a eulogy
Jordan, Keegan, Kaden come down stairs fully dressed ready to start the day
Jordan: morning Riley how are you?
Riley: like my heart has been ripped out and there is giant hole in there
Keegan: we all feel something similar
Riley: are we marching to the cemetery afterward?
Jordan: yes and then we'll be coming back here for a small gathering. We need to be at the Church for 8:30 Trinity baby time to get up
Zoe and Izzy go to the open bathrooms and get ready to leave with the others
Trinity: I am up when's daddy coming home?
Everyone looks at her and Riley breaks down and turns to Sam for comfort
Sam: it's ok I am here for you let it all out
He wraps his arms around her as she balls her eyes out into his chest
Jordan: oh honey daddy's gone to be with grandma, grandpa and Kayla's daddy
Trinity: oh
Oliver: I gonna go check on my wife and daughter please excuse me
He goes to find Zoe and Izzy
Kaden: when you all going home?
Sam: our flight is at 4 but we have to be there for 2. To check in and go through security
Keegan: so soon
Riley: I have some business to take care of when we get home
Jordan: I am so proud of you and I know Leroy would be too
Riley: thank you I need some air, I am gonna take Kayla and get her settled in the truck meet you all outside
Riley and Kayla go out into the driveway
Oliver: ok what's going on?
Jordan: that is not for me to say, it's Riley's decision
Sam: we're worried about her
Kaden: she hasn't had a drink since arriving here Thursday night. She's trying to take her life back
Jordan: Kaden stop right there that is her decision not mine nor yours. Now we have a church to get to shall we
Kaden: sorry
They all leave the house and meet up with Riley who is standing in the driveway
Outside…
Riley: everyone ready?
Kaden: yeah
They all get in the cars and they head over to St. Katherine's Cathedral
St. Katherine's Cathedral 32 Williams St…
They pull into the parking lot and it's almost completely full of cars and they get out
Zoe: it's beautiful
The Cathedral is covered by stained glass windows and is a stone grey building built back in the 1800's
Riley: I can't breathe
Sam lifts her chin up but Riley is looking any where but at him
Sam: hey look at me
She averts her eyes to Sam's and she starts to calm down her breathing
Riley: thank you
Sam leans down and kisses her forehead
Sam: your welcome
Jordan: shall we go inside?
Riley: I'll be there in just a minute could you take Kayla in with you
Jordan: of course come on Kayla
Kayla: mommy come on
Riley: it's ok baby I'll be there in a minute
Kayla: I guess
Riley picks up her daughter and gives her a hug and kiss then she hands her over to Jordan's waiting arms
Jordan: see you inside
They go inside leaving Sam and Riley standing in the parking lot
Sam: what's wrong?
Riley: I feel like I am loosing everyone I ever loved and it's taking a toll on my life. Look at me I am having a breakdown, I feel like this isn't my life and I am on the outside looking in
Sam: you have to fight they would want you too and you have not lost everyone. Not yet at least I am still here and I am not going anywhere I love you always have and always will remember that
Riley: thank you Sam I love you too but we're still on hold ok
Sam: ok are you ready to go inside now?
Riley: yes I am
He takes her by the hand and they go inside the packed Cathedral
Inside…
Riley and Sam walk down the aisle and they take their seats in front with the others. The priest begins the ceremony
Father McEwen: dearly beloved we are gathered here today to say goodbye to a truly remarkable man. There are some people who would like to speak
Jordan stands up and goes to the podium
Jordan: my husband died doing the job he loved for 20 years, I remember when we first met I was lost and need direction. There were so many happy memories and some that were not so happy. Every call that he had he did everything he could to help those in need. He was a hero to this city and it's citizens who he served. Leroy had a heart the size of Texas so to speak. He gave me 3 wonderful children and he will always be in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers until we meet again my love. I love you always
She goes back to her seat and Keegan goes up to the podium
Keegan: my dad was taken from me to soon, he will never see me graduate high school or even college. He will never walk me down the aisle on my wedding day or have that first dance. He was my best friend and I will miss him each and every day. He will always be in my heart. I plan on following in my father's footsteps after I graduate this spring I am attending the Dallas Police Academy I hope to do him proud
Several others get up and talk about how Captain Mathews changed their live or impacted them in a positive way. It's now Riley's turn and she has fresh tears streaming down her face. She shakily goes up to the podium in front of more than 500 people
Riley: sorry this is a bit overwhelming
She starts to have another panic attack and Sam gets up and goes to stand next to her. He takes her hand hoping to try to calm her down. He whispers in her ear
Sam: lake slow deep breathes your ok
He goes to sit back down and she won't let go of his hand so he stands next to her while she reads her eulogy
Riley: Wow where do I start I never thought I would be back so soon saying goodbye to another friend and colleague
Captain Leroy Mathews wasn't just a friend and colleague he was like a father to me along with being my mentor throughout my career with the Dallas Police Department. I can remember when I first met Captain Mathews as if it were only yesterday. I was struggling my first week at the academy and one of my instructors introduced me to him. I was so scared I was going to get kicked out that he offered to tutor me. He became my mentor and he took me under his wing. He was Kayla's godfather and I went to him for everything. I would not be the police officer, mother, nor person I am today without his guidance and support throughout the years.
He was taken from us to soon, a wife should never loose her husband, a child should never loose their father but that is what has happened here. He will always be in our hearts and thoughts everyday we strap on a vest or our side arm and we go out and protect and serve.
I will be back in September for the annual Charity Rodeo to ride for not only Sergeant Dominique Lane but for Captain Leroy Mathews two great men taken from us too soon.
As I was surfing the internet the other day I came across this poem it's by an unknown author but I think it describes how I feel
The moment that you died
My heart was torn in two,
One side filled with heartache,
The other died with you.
I often lie awake at night,
When the world is fast asleep, and
Take a walk down memory lane,
With tears upon my cheeks.
Remembering you is easy,
I do it everyday,
But missing you is a heartache,
That never goes away.
I hold you tightly within my heart,
And there you will remain,
Until the joyous day arrives,
That we meet again.
She takes Sam's hand and they both go back to their seats
Sam: you ok?
Riley: I just want this to be over and I want to go home
Sam: soon
The Priest finishes his sermon and they take Captain Mathews casket out to the waiting Hurst
Riley: Kayla baby you have to stay with me or you can go with Jordan
Kayla: Jordan
Jordan: I'll take her it might be best
Riley: thank you
They leave the Cathedral and they line up with the others outside
Outside the Cathedral…
Kaden: Sam and Oliver can line up next to us
Riley: that is fine
Sam: hang in there a little longer
Riley: I am trying believe me
Captain Mahoney: attention
All of the police officers stop talking and they face forward
Captain Leeds: march
They all follow Jordan, Trinity, Keegan and Kayla over to St. Christopher's Cemetery the final resting place of Captain Leroy Mathews
St. Christopher's Cemetery…
The Hurst pulls in and the pallbearers' unload the casket. All of the police officers stand at attention as the casket is being lowered into the ground. Riley and Kaden both have tears running down their cheeks
Captain Mahoney: dismissed
Everyone breaks up and they go their separate ways
Jordan: let's go home
Sam: we need to pack for our journey home
Keegan: I kind of hope no one is there, I just want to rest I graduate in a couple of weeks
Riley: I am sorry I won't be there for you
Keegan: it's alright I understand you go and take care of yourself
Riley gives her a huge hug
Riley: thank you
They go back to the Cathedral where everyone is parked and they head back to Jordan's house
It's around noon when they all get back
Zoe: please excuse us we need to go and pack
Riley: I am ready to go home
Jordan: we will see you again in a month
Riley: yes you will
Sam, Izzy, Zoe, Oliver and Riley go and collect their belongings and to pack for their trip home
Keegan: I hope she's going to do it, make good on her promise
The door bell rings and it's Captain Leeds and Captain Mahoney
Jordan: gentleman please come in
They walk into the house
Kaden: sirs can I offer you both something to drink?
Captain Leeds: Scotch
Captain Mahoney: Whiskey
Kaden goes over to the bar and he pours their drinks just as Riley walks into the kitchen with her bag and Kayla's
Kaden: Riley I am so sorry
Riley: it's fine I have some self control, I haven't had a drink in 3 days I can handle this
Kaden hands them their drinks
Captain Mahoney: Lieutenant McNally is it?
Riley: yes sir
Captain Mahoney: very sorry for your loss, he talked quite often about you
Riley: thank you sir, all good things I hope
Captain Mahoney: yeah they were all good things
The others walk into the kitchen with their bags in tow
Jordan: did you get everything?
Sam: I think so
Keegan: if you forgot anything we'll bring it with us next month when we see Riley next month
Oliver: that sounds good
Riley: where did Kayla go to now?
Zoe: I saw her watching TV with Trinity
Riley: ok
Captain Leeds: you both are?
Sam: Officer Sam Swarek
Oliver: Officer Oliver Shaw we are both from 15 Division Toronto
Captain Leeds: it's a pleasure to meet you both
Sam: same to you sir
Riley: we should probably get going, we have a plan to catch
Jordan: gonna miss you keep us up to date on how it's going
Riley: absolutely see you in a month come here
She gives them all a big hug
Keegan: call when you get home
Riley: you got it
She goes to say goodbye to Trinity and to get Kayla
Sam: thank you so much for welcoming us into your home
Oliver: yes thank you
Jordan: you are all more than welcome and anytime your in Dallas you will have a place to stay
Zoe: thank you that's very kind of you
Riley comes back with Kayla who is sound asleep in her arms
Jordan: she's ready to go home
Riley: Kayla baby don't you want to say goodbye?
Kayla is snoring
Riley: sorry guys
Jordan: that's alright now scoot you'll miss your plane if you don't get going
They all grab their bags and leave Jordan's for the airport
It's 1:20 pm when they arrive at the airport
Dallas International Airport…
Riley: I need to return my rental
Oliver: and I need to return the car
Sam: I'll take Kayla and your bags
Riley hands Sam her bag and Kayla who is beginning to become restless
Riley: thank you hopefully this won't take to long
Oliver and Riley go to the Enterprise car rental area
Zoe: how are you holding up Sam?
Sam: my ribs hurt but I am ok, I know that she's doing what's best for her and that's ok with me
20 minutes Later Oliver and Riley come back from returning their cars
Riley: all set
They make their way through security and they go to the check in counter
Kelly: how may I help you?
Riley takes out her ticket and hands it to the lady behind the counter
Bethany: I can help who's next?
Sam walks up to the counter and gives the girl his ticket, and she proceeds to hit on him. Pissing Riley off in the process
Riley: do you mind just doing your job
Sam: Riley it's ok
Riley: fine do what ever the hell you want
Kelly: your all checked in
Riley: thank you
She takes Kayla and goes to wait to board the plane on the other side of the counter. Oliver checks his family in and they wait in awkward silence
½ hour later…
Flight 269 to Toronto is now boarding at gate 3A
They stand up and get in line to board the plane for their flight home. 7 hours later they have arrived at the Toronto International Airport
Zoe: we can pick her up tomorrow night if you would like
Riley: that sounds fine that gives me time to talk to her about what is going to happen. I will give you her schedule and I want to be there for her when she wakes up and goes to bed
Zoe: we can work around your schedule
Riley: thanks so much for doing this
Zoe: you are so welcome try and have a good night
Riley: you too
Everyone goes their separate ways as they head home for the night
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