Intelligence Kills

Epilogue

Epilogue

One Week Later-

Jack and I entered the church. A woman glanced up from something she was reading to the audience. Her dark eyes narrowed once they landed on us. A frown settled onto her face but she continued to read. Jack led me to a seat in the very back corner. We watched from a distance as the woman continued. Once she was finished, everyone got up and started to file out of the doors and towards the cemetery.

The woman walked towards us. Both of us stood. I tried not to fidget with the tie around my neck. It felt like the room suddenly got hotter. She reached us and looked us up and down disapprovingly. Her voice was cool and collected when she said, "Jack, you're very late. I would've thought you would've made it on time to my husband's funeral."

"I'm sorry, ma'am," I cut in. She turned her gaze to me. "I delayed Jack. It's my fault. If not for me, he would've been on time."

"I take it you're Sniper McCoy," she said quietly. I shifted my weight around.

"Yes ma'am," I replied. Her frown deepened.

"I will allow you to stay here for today only because you are paying respect to my husband. But understand this, Mr. McCoy. I hold you responsible for Nathan's death and after today, I never want to see your face again. Do I make myself clear," she asked sharply.

"Yes ma'am."

She nodded and walked away. Jack and exchanged glances.

"She was never a friendly woman. Rouse would've been pleased to know you tried to befriend her," he said gently. I nodded. He cracked a weak smile. "Athena's funeral is in an hour. I'll give you a ride but I can't stay."

"Thank you," I said. he walked away without a response.

~

"I'm just sorry I never got to know my step sister better." Athena's step sister stepped away from the podium. Her eyes pooled with tears as she made her way back to her seat. Again, I watched as people made their way to the cemetery. I waited until everyone was gone to walk up to the open casket.

Her blue eyes were shut. Her skin was paler and much colder. Her brown hair flowed down her shoulders, not a strand out of place. My heart dropped into my stomach. I hadn't known her that long but already, I was feeling the emptiness flood me. I leaned down and kissed her lips.

"You fought like we all did," I whispered. I couldn't stop myself from touching her cheek. "You were braver than we all were."

"How do you know Athena?" Her step sister appeared in front of me. I flinched.

"We, um, ran into each other. I was with her when... when she died," I muttered. The girl smiled sadly.

"It must've been really hard for you," she said. I smiled back, shaking my head.

"Not as hard as it is for your family."

"I'm lacey Morrison."

"Sniper McCoy." We shook hands and headed towards the doors.

"I don't know how many people have told you this yet. We were told what happened. Everything. I just wanted you to hear that it isn't your fault because no matter what people say, it was her choice. She was willing to give everything for you. To the last breath, she was willing to help you destroy what was wrong. It wasn't your fault," Lacey blurted out. Her eyes locked with mine and she blushed pink.

I smiled. "Thanks Lacey. Helps to know that someone might be on my team."

"No problem. It's the truth," she whispered.

~

Mace and I dropped onto the couch in Jack's living room. Cathro sat in front of us next to Jack. Both men exchanged glances. Jack smiled, turning back to us. "You've been asked to join the CIA."