North America Gunman Detective
Chapter 834 - 497: Memorial Service
Jimmy took the elevator downstairs and arrived at the hotel entrance. His CLS was already waiting at the door. The service at the Intercontinental Hotel was as thoughtful as ever.
Jimmy returned to his apartment, holding the documents Winston had given him, and continued to review them. The information was quite comprehensive, but with a large amount of content, he needed to find a Boston map to verify the locations and plan his itinerary based on the details provided in the documents.
Winston definitely had an insider in the FBI, and probably at a high level. Jimmy received the OPR results and the Manhattan office's handling plan during the day, and Winston called in the evening. Saying it was just a coincidence would be a bit disingenuous.
However, Winston managed things well. He gave Jimmy a month, which was nothing like a typical assassination task, but rather an inconsequential task to deepen their relationship. Winston clearly intended to use this task to test Jimmy's capabilities while allowing him to repay some favors, facilitating future cooperation between them.
Being indebted on one side won't last long. Sooner or later, an irreparable rift will appear. Winston, the old fox, surely understands this.
Jimmy opened his computer, found the Boston map, and meticulously verified the information, marking the operational area. Next would be visiting the site to examine the specifics and find nearby safe houses or resting spots.
He wasn't in a hurry to set out because there was a can't-miss memorial service over the weekend. Derek's memorial had been postponed for many days, and it was now almost two weeks since he was fatally shot. It couldn't be delayed any longer.
When he visited Ryan, Ryan repeatedly stressed that he had to attend because Jimmy was the main contributor to avenging Derek. Therefore, regardless of other tasks afterward, he would attend the weekend memorial, even if his mood wasn't great due to the punishment he had received.
On Saturday morning, Jimmy dressed in a black suit, carefully arranged his attire, and drove to a church in Queens. When Jimmy arrived, there were already many people present. They weren't whispering to each other but quietly sitting, waiting for the memorial to begin.
Ryan also arrived, coming in a wheelchair with the help of a nurse. He stopped in front of Derek's family, exchanged a few words with them, then moved to the side.
A priest conducted the memorial service at the front. With mournful music, the priest prayed for Derek. Then, Derek's parents shared some stories about Derek in front of everyone. But they started to cry uncontrollably after saying just a few words. Ryan, representing the FBI colleagues, also gave a speech.
"I am Ryan, Derek's friend, and his partner. We are here to mourn Derek and bid him farewell, filled with sorrow and grief.
Derek was an outstanding FBI agent, always committed to serving society and protecting the public. I've been partnered with Derek for over five years, and he was the best partner I've ever met.
During our last mission together, we were investigating a case but were unexpectedly attacked. I was lucky to survive after being taken to the hospital, but Derek wasn't as fortunate.
Words cannot express my current pain and sadness. Derek was an honest, brave, and honorable person. His departure leaves a profound mark on everyone who knew him.
Derek's sacrifice will never be forgotten. He will forever live in my heart.
Rest in peace, my friend."
Ryan hadn't prepared a speech. He looked at the people in the church, finishing his words in a deep voice, shedding tears at the end.
Turning his wheelchair, Ryan approached Derek's coffin, hugged it gently, and whispered, "Derek, our colleagues have avenged us. Farewell, my brother."
After the ceremony concluded, apart from Derek's family, others left gradually. Ryan called out to Jimmy, "Jimmy, thank you."
Jimmy said solemnly, "No thanks necessary, Ryan. This is what we're supposed to do. No matter who it is, they'd try their best to catch them in such a situation."
Ryan: "Sorry for getting you suspended. Any news on the arrangements afterward?"
Jimmy shook his head, "Let's not talk about these today, Ryan. Spend more time with Derek's family. I'm heading back now."
Ryan nodded and shook hands with Jimmy as they bid farewell.
Jimmy walked out of the church and saw Hughes in a black suit beside his car. Hughes was late. When Jimmy saw him, he was sitting in the back row, and Jimmy initially thought he would have left after exchanging a few words with Ryan.
Jimmy: "Hughes."
Hughes: "Jimmy, let's find a place to chat."
Jimmy nodded, and Hughes got into Jimmy's car. They drove to a seemingly nice café and sat down.
After ordering coffee, Hughes looked at Jimmy, "Any complaints about this handling?"
Jimmy shook his head, "No complaints. Own the mistake, accept the punishment. Hughes, rest assured, I know exactly what I've done."
Hughes stared at Jimmy without speaking. He wanted to confirm whether Jimmy's words were sincere or superficial. However, Jimmy showed no expression; attending the memorial today, feeling bad, was natural too.
The waiter brought the coffee over. The two of them didn't speak further and started drinking their coffee.
Hughes: "Any thoughts about the upcoming departmental changes?"