July 8th, 11:49 a.m.
It was a beautiful and sunny day. The temperature was seventy-five degrees. A light breeze blew, while fluffy, white clouds hung low in the sky. The day would have been perfect, if not for the somber occasion taking place in downtown Washington D.C. inside St. Matthew’s Cathedral.
Constructed in a Roman style with Byzantine accents and built with red brick and sandstone trim, St. Matthew’s Cathedral was the location for the memorial service, remembering those who had died in the blast at the tavern the previous week. It was decided that since they had perished together, they would be remembered together. Large pictures of each victim were placed on stands on the altar. Hundreds of potted plants and flowers surrounded the pictures. Among the pictures were those of the twelve members of Hardy’s team. Hardy had learned the President had made sure that every one of them had been re-instated as members of the military. They had their service records changed to reflect their service up to the point where they were killed, and were given a full military funeral. Hardy sat on the end, a few rows back from the front, listening as the priest prayed a final blessing.
“O Loving Father, we pray that you would welcome your departed children into the realms of everlasting life. We ask that their tears be wiped away and their sufferings cease to exist. May the joy and splendor that is Heaven, be theirs for all of eternity.”
“Finally, we ask you to look after the family and loved ones they have left behind. Comfort them when they grieve. Rejoice with them when they remember the good times shared. And, above all, never let the fire of the love within them burn out. In Jesus’ name we pray.”
And, all the people said, “Amen.”
Special Agent Cruz, sitting next to Hardy, made the sign of the cross and said, “Amen.”
Hardy saw her out of the corner of his eye. He had never been a man who really believed in God. It was not that he did not think there was a God, but rather he did not know for sure. In his line of work, he dealt with facts, not beliefs; however, he liked and respected Cruz, so he respected her beliefs. They had spent quite a bit of time together over the past week. They went out for drinks a couple of times. They went for short walks during her lunch breaks. And, last night, they had dinner at a nice restaurant. Hardy was grateful she had come into his life, especially during this difficult time. He was still having the nightmares about his team members, but the nightmares were less intense and getting further apart. He credited the time he had spent with Cruz for helping him find some closure. Despite the difficulties ahead of him, she had given him hope that brighter days would follow.