Page 155 of State of Alert

“Tom, we thank you for your service to our country and the District. Those of us who are left behind will endeavor to live up to your legacy as we continue the important work of keeping our community safe. May you rest in eternal peace.”

“Why don’t you tell them how he cut you a deal to avoid being prosecuted for assault,you fucking bitch?”

Everyone turned as one to see former Sergeant Ramsey, looking disheveled and possibly drunk, standing in the center aisle, his fist directed at Sam, who ignored him as she made her way back to her seat next to Nick. At the same time, several police officers and Secret Service agents swiftly escorted the former SVU detective out of the church and hopefully into custody.

“What the hell?” Nick whispered.

“Ramsey is still mad that Tom didn’t charge me with assault after I pushed him down the stairs.” Tom had saved her career by convening a grand jury that had, after hearing about how Ramsey had told Sam she’d deserved to be wrapped in razor wire by Stahl and threatened with fire, chosen not to indict her on assault charges.

“So he disrupts the man’s funeral?”

“That’s the least of what he’s done.”

With Ramsey removed from the cathedral, the service continued with several other speakers, including Conlon Young, who spoke from the heart about his close friend and mentor.

When the service concluded, Leslie turned to them. “Thank you again for your beautiful words and for being here today.”

Sam hugged her. “I’ll be thinking of you and your girls.”

“We appreciate everything you did for us—and for Tom.”

She nodded. “We’ll be with you through the long haul in getting justice for Tom—and for your family.”

“That brings me comfort.”

Sam hugged the Miller sisters and then took Nick’s hand as they were escorted to a side door by Brant, Vernon, Jimmy and several other agents. She climbed into The Beast first and immediately called Freddie.

“Did you hear what Ramsey pulled at the funeral?”

“Everyone’s talking about it. He’s being booked on numerous charges, including creating a public nuisance.”

“Cox and Bryant were there, looking at me as if they wanted me dead. All examples of men who screwed up their own lives and need someone to blame.”

“I can’t believe Bryant had the stones to show up after orchestrating the kidnapping of Forrester’s family.”

“I can’t believe he made bond.”

“Apparently, it was set at three million, and he put up one of his houses to secure it.”

“Disgusting. What else is happening? Any sign of the Myerson girls or Zeke?”

“Nothing new.”

“I guess it’s safe to assume at this point that they’re on the run. Let’s bring in Jesse Best and the marshals to find these kids before they hurt themselves or someone else.”

“I’ll call him.”

“What’s happening with Frank?”

“We brought him upstairs, got him a hot breakfast, a shower and a change of clothes. He tried to call the girls again, but didn’t get through.”

“Thanks for handling that. I’ve got the TV interview at eleven thirty. I’ll be in right after.”

“See you then.”

Sam hated days like this in which it seemed everything else took priority over her victim of the moment, but Tom’s funeral and the interview were both important. She’d take care of business and then get back to securing justice for Elaine Myerson.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

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