Epilogue
More than ten thousand police officers came from around the country to the District to help the Metropolitan Police Department lay to rest Detective Arnold John Arnold.
The ceremony was touching and humorous and a fitting tribute to a life of service ended far too soon.
Sam would never forget the sea of blue uniforms, the bagpipes, the eulogies delivered by his devastated older sisters or the sight of her entire squad acting as pallbearers for one of their own, led by Arnold’s grief-stricken but determined partner, Tommy Gonzales.
Arnold’s parents had been presented with the department flag and his badge number had been permanently retired.
He was posthumously promoted to detective sergeant.
Somehow Sam managed to hold it together to say a few words about her fallen detective.
She talked about the young man they’d loved so much, his infectious humor, his big feet, the childlike joy he took in an often-dreadful job and how proud she and the rest of the department were to have worked with him and called him a friend.
“We’ll never know what might’ve been for Detective Arnold,” she concluded.
“But we’ll always know what he was—a loyal, dedicated public servant who gave his life in service to the District.
He was everyone’s favorite kid brother. He’ll be remembered, and he’ll be missed forever. ”
She wouldn’t forget the way regular citizens lined the streets as the hearse left the church to take Arnold to his final resting place.
There were tears and tributes and toasts and songs and more tears.
A collation was held at the Washington Convention Center, where Sam and Nick had danced at the inaugural ball a few days earlier.
Food and drinks were provided for Arnold’s family and friends as well as all the officers who’d come to pay their respects.
Chief Farnsworth personally greeted and thanked every one of them for coming.
While they were at the funeral, Androzzi had appeared in federal court, and was charged with multiple counts of murder, including that of Detective Arnold, as well as human trafficking and sex crimes.
He’d been ordered held without bail until trial.
Mindy Cahill had rallied and was now out of the coma, and Jennifer Torlino had been released from the hospital.
SVU had been working around the clock to take statements from the other women who’d been rescued from the warehouse, all of which would be used to build the case against Androzzi.
Immediately following one of the saddest days of her life came one of the most joyous, the day that Scott Dunlap Cappuano legally and permanently became their son.
With the sweep of a pen, a Family Court judge made Scotty’s adoption official. “Son,” he said, “I hope you know how lucky you are to be adopted by two people who will love and support you for the rest of your life.”
“I do, your honor.” He looked at Sam and Nick, who were struggling to contain the overwhelming emotions. “I know exactly how lucky I am.”
“As do we,” Nick said gruffly, releasing Sam’s hand to hug his son.
Watching the two of them together, bonded to each other from the first time they ever met, Sam gave up on trying to contain the tears that wanted out.
She might never get the chance to carry her own child, but this boy, this child of her heart, had made her a mother, and she would be eternally grateful to the curious twists of fate that had brought him into their lives.
They returned home for a celebration that included their entire extended family and all their friends.
“Crushing lows and soaring highs this week,” Freddie said to Sam when they were alone in the kitchen.
“I know. We wondered if it was appropriate to do this the day after Arnold’s service, but Nick thought it would be good for everyone to have something to celebrate. And we didn’t have the heart to disappoint Scotty by postponing it.”
“Life goes on,” Freddie said, taking a sip of beer. “I wanted to tell you that I thought your eulogy for Arnold was beautiful yesterday. I liked what you said about him being everyone’s favorite kid brother. We could tell how much you cared for him. How much you care for all of us.”
“I do care. Too much sometimes.”
“You can never care too much.”
“So when are you getting married?”
“We’re not sure yet.”
“What’d your mom say?”
“She was happy because she knows I am. Maybe she wouldn’t have chosen Elin for me, but it’s not her life or her choice.”
“That’s right. You’re a good son, Freddie. She has no reason to be anything other than proud of you.”
“Thanks. I hope she’s proud.”
“She is and she’ll cry like a baby at your wedding.”
Gonzo came into the kitchen. “Oh hey.”
“How you doing?” Sam asked.
“All right. You?”
“Better now that everything is signed, sealed and delivered with Scotty.”
“I’m sure.” Gonzo got himself a beer and opened it. “Congratulations, Sam. He’s a great kid.”
“Yes, he is and thanks for being here to help us celebrate.”
“Sitting at home feeling sorry for myself isn’t getting me anywhere, so I’m glad to have somewhere else to be.”
“You’re always welcome with us—anytime. I hope you know that.”
“Us, too,” Freddie said. “Don’t be sitting around feeling crappy when you could be with friends.”
“Thanks, guys. I’m going to be okay. It’s going to take a while.”
“We’ll be here for you no matter how long it takes,” Sam said.
Nick poked his head into the kitchen. “Can you come out for a minute, Sam?”
“Sure thing.” To Freddie and Gonzo, she said, “Duty calls. Come with me?”
They followed her into the living room where Scotty was the center of attention.
“Time for some speeches,” Skip declared.
“I’m going first. I want to say how happy I am to officially welcome my grandson Scotty to the family.
Scotty, you’ve been a part of this family since the first time we met you.
Today was about paperwork. It’s been official for us for quite some time now.
In fact, it’s hard to remember what it was like around here before you came along.
You make us better than we were without you, so thanks for choosing your mom and dad to be your parents so that I’d get to be your grand pop. I love you, buddy.”
Scotty went to Skip and kissed his forehead. “I love you, too. Thanks for having me.”
“My turn,” Tracy said. “To my nephew Scotty, thank you for making my sister a mom. It’s the one thing she’s always wanted to be that she never was before she had you.”
“Aww, jeez, Trace,” Sam said, wiping tears. “Pull out the big guns, why doncha?”
Tracey smirked at Sam and then hugged her.
“To my best pal, Scotty,” Shelby said. “I hope my kid turns out half as awesome as you are, and one of these days, I am going to kick your butt in Call of Duty, so be ready. Love you, Scotty.”
“Love you, too.” Scotty hugged her and by the time he released her, Shelby was wiping up tears.
“Damned hormones,” she said.
“That’s what you always say,” Scotty said, laughing at her comical expression.
“Scotty,” Laine said, “from the first time your dad brought you to the farm, you’ve been an O’Connor. We love you, your mom and dad, and we’re thrilled to have you as part of our family.”
Everyone had something sweet to say about their boy, which made Sam realize how much he’d touched them all since he came into their lives.
“Scotty, I miss you so much in Richmond,” Mrs. Littlefield, his former guardian, said.
“But I couldn’t be happier that you’re settled into such a wonderful family.
If anyone deserves that, it’s you. Thanks for not forgetting about your old friend Mrs. L in the midst of your exciting new life. I’ll always love you.”
Scotty hugged her tightly and whispered something that brought tears to the older woman’s eyes.
“I guess that leaves us,” Nick said, when everyone else had spoken.
He put his arm around Sam. “I’ll never forget the day I walked into that state home for children in Richmond and bonded over our shared love of the Red Sox with a twelve-year-old boy who reminded me so much of myself at that age.
Scotty, we want you to know how thankful we are that you decided to take a chance on us as your parents.
Our lives are hectic and filled with unreasonable levels of insanity, but you roll with whatever comes our way, and that makes you a perfect fit for us.
We love you so much, and we always will.
” He glanced at Sam, passing the baton to her.
“And I’ll only add that I may never be a typical mom, but no mom could ever love you more than I do.”
Scotty hugged them both.
The family around them cheered for the new family the three of them had become together.
“Do I get to say something?” Scotty asked.
“Whatever you want,” Nick said.
He took a moment to gather himself. “Before I met Nick, my dad, I would’ve said I didn’t need a family.
I would’ve said I had everything I needed in the home I had.
It was a good home, and I was loved there.
But this…” Tearfully, he gestured to the wide circle of people around him.
“This is more than I ever could’ve hoped for.
Thanks to all of you for making me feel so welcome and so much a part of this awesome family. ”
“To Scott Dunlap Cappuano,” Nick said, his arm around Scotty’s shoulders.
“To my parents, Vice President Cappuano and Lieutenant Holland,” Scotty said, “the best parents in the whole world.”
As she leaned her head against Nick’s shoulder, Sam was almost certain they weren’t even close to the best parents in the world, but they would be the best parents they could possibly be to the boy they loved with all their hearts.
Turn the page to read book 10, Fatal Identity, right now!