"So there could be people out there," Debra Zachs said slowly, "people with claims on your father, people with reasons to want his body, and you would have no knowledge of them?""Yes," Nurse Evans immediately admitted. "Father had secrets. Lots of them. Things he never shared with anyone, not even his most trusted lieutenants. If this woman is connected to one of those secrets, we would never know."General Carl Gerald's hands clenched into fists at his sides. Another dead end. Another "I don't know." It was maddening."Listen to me very carefully," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Both of you. Your brother claims ignorance.”“You claim ignorance. Maybe you're telling the truth. Maybe you genuinely had no knowledge of this attack. But understand this: if we discover any connection, any involvement whatsoever, you will both face execution for Mrs. Juliet Marcus's murder."Sara Gerald nodded, her face streaked with tears but her voice firm. "Consider yourselves already dead if

"Tomorrow then," Sara Gerald immediately suggested gently. "We go tomorrow. Give ourselves tonight to gather our thoughts and our strength. Mrs. Anna Marcus and Victor deserve our best, not us showing up emotionally compromised and unprepared."Debra Zachs pulled out her tablet, her professional instincts taking over even through her grief."We should coordinate with the Elite Division's family support services. They can provide counseling resources, financial assistance if needed, help with funeral arrangements...""I'll handle the funeral arrangements personally," General Carl Gerald said firmly. "Full military honors. Every resource of the Elite Division at their disposal. Mrs. Juliet Marcus died in the line of duty, protecting her commanding officer. She deserves nothing less than our absolute best.""Agreed," Captain Carlos immediately said. "I'll make sure everything is prepared. The ceremony, the honor guard, everything."Agent Rodriguez cleared his throat. "General Carl Gera

General Carl Gerald nodded. "Good thinking. Debra Zachs, can you arrange that?""Already done," Debra Zachs said, gesturing to a carefully folded American flag resting on a side table. "I picked it up from the ceremonial office this morning.""Thank you," General Carl Gerald said quietly.At exactly nine o'clock, they walked out to the waiting vehicles. Two unmarked cars, black and discreet. This wasn't an official military convoy…this was a private, personal visit to deliver devastating news to a grieving family.General Carl Gerald and Sara climbed into the first vehicle, with Detective Steve driving.Debra Zachs and Captain Carlos took the second car. They all immediately pulled out of the Elite Division compound and headed toward the Riverside District, toward Elm Street, toward a house where two people's lives were about to be forever changed.The drive took thirty minutes through morning traffic. No one spoke much at the moment. Sara Gerald immediately stared out the window,

"But she was," Mrs. Anna Marcus immediately replied. "And knowing my Juliet, she didn't hesitate.”“That's who she was. Always putting others first. Always helping, always protecting."Fresh tears streamed down Mrs Anna Marcus's face. "And now she's gone. My beautiful girl is gone."Victor had been silent for a while, but now he spoke up, his voice oddly calm and determined."I want to join the Elite Division." Victor immediately said, his voice was laced with a mixture of emotions and feelings.Everyone immediately turned to look at him in surprise."Victor," Sara said gently, "I don't think now is the time to make decisions like…”"I want to join," Victor immediately interrupted, his eyes fixed on General Carl Gerald."My sister served. She died serving. The least I can do is follow in her footsteps. And I want to help find the people who killed her. I want to be part of bringing them to justice." He immediately said.General Carl Gerald studied him carefully, seeing in Victor's fac

Maya Denver immediately turned back to the caskets, her expression softening again as she looked at them."I made so many promises to you both," she said quietly. "I promised I'd always protect the family.”“I promised I'd carry on your legacy, Uncle Denver. I promised I'd watch over Jason as he grew into the man he was meant to become."Her voice hardened once more. "I failed to keep those promises while you were alive.”“But I swear on your graves…once I give you both proper burials…I will keep my promise to avenge you.”“Every person responsible for your deaths will face justice. My justice." Her voice was still cold and completely detached.Kamela Maya, her daughter, stepped forward from the crowd. She was in her early twenties, tall and lean with her mother's sharp features and her grandmother's calculating eyes. She wore tactical gear similar to what she'd worn during the cemetery raid, and her hands were still stained with gunpowder residue."Mother," Kamela said, her voice s