Commissioner Forzini, in dress uniform, was waiting for them at the grave, obscuring their view of the headstone, and after introductions, he smiled warmly at Lisa and Shawn, reached behind him, and presented them both with a folded flag.
On top of it was the New York City Police Department’s Medal for Valor.
He stepped aside, letting them view the marker for the first time. It was simple and elegant with just his name and dates and two other words.
They saw Lisa’s and Shawn’s eyes go over the inscription, their lips moving silently, their eyes falling on the first word and pausing there for a long while, their mouths shaping the word. Dad.
Their eyes fell on the last word.
Hero.
Slow smiles came across their faces, growing wider and broader, bathing them in warmth and eclipsing the sun.
The Marshals were with the Commissioner, and when they’d finished at the cemetery, the family left with them.
Elaine Rocka surprised them all by hugging them tightly before she left.
Roger winked at her — ‘Careful, ma’am, you’ve a reputation to maintain’ — and blushed when she kissed him.
Bwana spotted the bottle first. It stood tall on the bonnet, glasses beside it.
They went closer, and Broker nodded approvingly when he saw the label, a Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet. He opened the bottle in silence, filled the six glasses, and they toasted in silence, taking turns to drink from the sixth.
They knew Zeb was watching them from somewhere.
The Warriors were complete.
Author’s Message
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About the Author
Ty has lived on a couple of continents and has been a trench digger, loose tea vendor, leather goods salesman, marine lubricants salesman, diesel engine mechanic and is now an action thriller author.
Readers of his debut thriller, The Warrior, have compared it to the works of thriller greats like Lee Child, Vince Flynn, David Baldacci, Brad Thor, Robert Crais, and Harlan Coben.
Ty lives with his wife and son, who humor his ridiculous belief that he’s in charge.