Chuckie and Caroline were sitting together and, as I looked at them, both gave me the thumbs up sign.
“Michael wanted to go to the stars and that’s where he served his country the most. But he also served his country by facing evil and fighting it. He died trying to protect his best friend from being tortured. He died trying to protect his sisters and his aunts from being kidnapped and terrorized. And he died trying to avenge the senseless murder of his loyal pet, an animal that loved him so much it’s in the coffin with him, so they can be together forever.”
Could spot the animal lovers in the audience—they were wiping their eyes.
“And yet, the people who hate Michael because of his skin color, his brother’s sexual orientation, and the fact that he wasn’t fully ‘human’ will tell you that he deserved to die and that he’s rotting in Hell.
“Well, I happen to know differently. Michael’s not in Hell, he’s with his God. And that God isn’t here to encourage hate. He’s here to encourage us to use our free will to make the world a better place for everyone, not just for a select few who think their way is the only way.”
Looked at White. He gave me a small smile. Chose not to look at Christopher lest I get a Patented Glare. I was rolling and wanted to remain that way.
“It’s a big universe out there and we’re not alone in it, and by now everyone knows that. But I’ll tell you, today, we felt very alone. Driving past so many people protesting our very existence, we felt alone, surrounded, outnumbered. And we wondered if it was worth it. We’ve lost lots of people over the many decades the A-Cs have been on Earth, and there comes a point when you ask yourself if you’re done losing. We were at that point today.”
All the American Centaurion section was nodding.
“But it’s funny. Just when you think things are at their worst, someone can show you that most people aren’t like those protestors who hate in the name of God. And we were shown that today.”
Thankfully, the A-C section was still nodding.
“They’re still outside, and I doubt they can hear me, but there were hundreds of people we’ve never met before today who came to form a chain to keep the bad people out and let us come here to honor Michael’s life and his death.
“And those people are why we do this. Because they didn’t have to come. It was an inconvenience, and a risk. But they came anyway. Because it was the right thing to do and, at their cores, they’re decent people trying to do right in the world and light a candle in the darkness. Just like the A-Cs. And they knew we needed them, just as they’ve needed us.
“So, to our enemies, I want to say that, despite your best efforts, we’re not going anywhere. We will continue to fight you and the evil you perpetrate. You can and will kill more of us, we know that.
“But we will persevere. Because there are more people worthy of our protection and love than there are not. You are in the minority, and we will ensure you stay that way. You can and will throw your worst at us, but know that we will not go quietly and we will not leave the good people of this world at your mercy, any more than they left us.”
I looked around at everyone in the Amphitheater. “In a little while we’re going to put Michael’s body in the ground. Something the A-Cs don’t normally do. But they’re doing it because it matters to our President and our country that Michael’s sacrifice be commemorated in this way. And because we do love this country and world, we’ve acquiesced.
“Once his body is in the ground, though, you’ll all start to forget him, this day, and what he died for. Only we won’t forget.
“And I won’t actually allow all of you to forget, either. Because Michael is representing every A-C or Centaurion Division agent who’s died over the years, unsung and unlamented by most of you.
“He’s more than himself now—he’s representative of all of our fallen, all our unsung heroes, all our Unknown Soldiers. And he’s also the reminder of why we fight and protect—because when we visit his grave, what we’ll remember in addition to Michael are the faces of the people who stood against evil and hatred for us to be able to honor him today. We’ll see the faces of our brothers and sisters.”
CHAPTER 99
I TURNED TO LEAVE THE PODIUM. As I did, someone on the stage started clapping.
I looked over to see my Uncle Mort standing and applauding. The flyboys broke attention and joined him, and then the rest of the people on the stage followed suit, the President included. Mom and Dad were both applauding and I was relieved to see they looked proud as opposed to embarrassed or horrified.
The President getting to his feet ensured I got a standing O on the way down. Prayed I wouldn’t trip, but before I really had to worry about it Jeff came over and helped me down.
Since everyone was standing, the pallbearers went back into action. Well, Brian and the flyboys did. Uncle Mort and Colonel Franklin took Reader and Gower’s places, which, based on how Gower was doing, was preferable.
They took the casket down and out as they’d come in. Once they were through the exit, the motorcycle cops started ushering the attendees out, and in not too long it was just the press, the people on the stage, and us left.
Press was ushered out, then American Centaurion, since the Secret Service wanted to take the President and the other dignitaries out last.
Tim took my elbow. “Got a text from your friends on the police force while you were orating,” he said quietly. “Somehow two sets of men’s clothing appeared on the head of the Bomb Squad’s desk. He had them searched and there was a detonator in a pocket. The area around Arlington’s being searched right now—bombs have been found, but none have been detonated.”
“How did they know to come to Arlington to search?” Jeff asked.
“The pocket with the detonator also held Farley Pecker’s wallet.”
“Interesting. I assume Gutermuth gave it to him, or even slipped it into his pocket.” Good to see the Poofs had totally been on the job.
“The K-9 squad was called because of their close association with us. Officer Melville suggested that Harvey Gutermuth was probably involved. Both men have been found and taken in. Melville said he’d keep me posted.”
“Hope they gave them some jumpsuits to wear. Ugly orange ones for preference.”
“We can hope,” Jeff said. “But I never count on that these days, baby.”
“The cops feel your pain, Jeff,” Tim said. “Believe me.”
Once we were at the gravesite, Gower seemed back under control. He gave a lovely eulogy for Michael, presumably the one he’d planned to give earlier. He also mentioned Naomi and Gladys, saying that Michael’s grave would be their memorial as well.
Pierre had brought in dozens of roses, and everyone had one. I took two. As they left, each attendee put a rose onto the coffin. Amy and I went with Caroline. Amy put her rose on without a word.
Caroline stepped up and put her rose on the casket. “Goodbye, Michael. I miss you so much already and I know I’m going to miss you so much more as time goes by.”
I hugged her as she started to cry. “Cry all you need, Caro.”
But she got herself under control and nodded to me. “I’m okay. Well, as okay as I can be right now. Your turn.”