“You’re not a cop anymore. You can call me Sam.”

Smiling, he said, “Old habits die hard.”

“How’s the security business?”

“Not as exciting as Homicide, but then again, what is?”

“Homicide has been a real thrill lately,” Sam said sarcastically. “The fun never ends.”

“I’ve heard about how you’re looking at Ramsey’s son for the rapes and murders in the park.”

“We know it’s him. We just have to prove it.”

“My money’s on you guys.”

Sam had spoken with Officer Charles on the way home and had learned Shane was now at the bar he frequented in Columbia Heights. The officers had followed him inside and were watching him, hoping he’d abandon a beer bottle or glass that could be confiscated as evidence.

Of course, he knew what they were looking for and had made eye contact with Officer Charles as he’d wiped his beer bottle clean and handed it to the bartender.

He was as much of a bastard as his father was, only more so. To her knowledge, his father, as despicable as he was, had never raped or murdered anyone.

After everyone had eaten the Arnold-themed junk food, Sam stood with the microphone Gideon had made sure was on the large square table they’d set in the elegant State Dining Room. “Ahem,” she said to get their attention. “I want to thank you all for being here tonight for what’s turned into a two-part event. Part one is our solemn remembrance of our friend and colleague, Detective AJ Arnold, who left us far too soon one year ago today. As we have every day for the last year, we remember AJ’s humor, the no-strings-attached friendship he offered each of us and his almost childlike enthusiasm for the job. We love him. We miss him. We will remember him always. I must also mention AJ’s devoted partner, Sergeant Tommy Gonzales, who was instrumental in ensuring that the man who took AJ from us will never have the chance to kill again.” Sam led an enthusiastic round of applause for Gonzo, who shook his head as if to deflect praise he didn’t feel he deserved.

“Tommy, what happened to Arnold and to you is something we all fear every time we strap on the badge and hit the streets. You were tireless in your efforts to get justice for your beloved partner, and we’re incredibly proud of you.”

His wife, Christina, put her arm around him, and he leaned into her as he wiped away tears with the back of his hand.

“AJ’s dad, John, would like to say something, so I’ll turn it over to him.”

Sam handed the microphone to John Arnold, who was seated next to her.