I am a necromancer, and I absolutely love America.

In late autumn, the morning wind was cold in New York.

A hazy, gray cloud hung over the Church of Saint Carlisle.

The NYPD deployed a large number of police officers for Michael's funeral, and the entire block was cordoned off, isolating traffic and pedestrians.

Police officers in full uniform stood on both sides of the road near the church. Their navy blue uniforms were pressed without a single wrinkle, and their silver badges gleamed coldly in the gloomy light.

In the early morning, vehicles belonging to NYPD executives slowly drove in.

The director, deputy director, internal affairs department, major crimes unit, and all police sergeants and above were present, all dressed in dark formal attire, each with a solemn and serious expression.

No matter how they fight each other normally, they must appear united against a common enemy today.

The gang's public shooting of the sheriff was a provocation against the NYPD.

Everyone must share a common hatred for the enemy and vow to avenge Mike.

The area behind the church nave was packed with media reporters.

There were TV station reporters with long lenses and microphones, newspaper reporters carrying equipment, and some self-media bloggers who only brought their mobile phones.

They stood on the cordon line in the rear hall, their cameras pointed at the scene, and the sound of shutters clicking incessantly.

This is a city-wide case of a sheriff's death, and also the most devastating loss for the NYPD in recent years. A sheriff was shot dead in public by gangsters; it is both an execution and a humiliation.

The current mayor and members of Congress will be present to support and speak out on this matter.

......

A silky starling is pecking at an earthworm on the ground.

Suddenly a large foot stepped on it, and the starling was so frightened that it took flight.

Splat!

The earthworm was crushed and stuck to the shoe.

New York Post reporter Gordon looked at the soles of the shoes with disdain:

"Fxxk! What bad luck!"

The starling was chattering noisily above Gordon's head, seemingly cursing the two-legged creature for stealing its prey.

Gordon didn't even look up as he squeezed into the crowd of reporters, desperately trying to reach the New York Post's reserved spot:

"Excuse me! Let me through!"

Today is his chance to make a name for himself; he has no time to worry about such trivial matters.

......

The Mike family members had already arrived, dressed in black suits and holding flowers, and sat in the first four rows on the right according to seniority, status, and relationship.

Catherine also came.

She wore sunglasses, a plain black dress, her hair was tied up, and she had light makeup on. She sat on the aisle in the first row on the right, with Mike's mother sitting next to her. The two did not exchange any words.

Debbie sat in the second row behind Catherine.

After offering his condolences to Catherine and Mike's mother, NYPD Chief Henry Carter walked over to Debbie, knelt down on one knee, placed his hand on Debbie's shoulder, and said in a deep voice:

"Your father was a hero. We will not let him sacrifice himself in vain. We will definitely avenge your father!"

The flash went off.

Debbie bit her lip, her eyes red, and remained silent.

Isabella stepped forward and gently hugged Debbie, whispering a few words of comfort in her ear before turning to talk to Catherine.

Each senior executive stepped forward to offer their condolences before taking their seats.

Then came the senior management of OCME, with Director Marlowe leading the way in offering his condolences.

Although the OCME is an independent organization, it has a close relationship with the NYPD and can almost be regarded as one entity.

Therefore, senior executives from OCME were also present.

Mike's friends came, Debbie's classmates came, and Principal Smith also came specially.

The small nave of St. Carlisle Church was packed, with many people having to stand in the aisles.

When Helen arrived at the scene, she only saw a dense crowd and felt a little nervous. There were so many people that she couldn't find Richard.

She could only stand disappointedly with her colleagues at OCME.

At the last minute, incumbent Mayor Mattson Bell and Representative Brian Anderson of this district arrived together.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone and the cameras, the two solemnly offered their condolences to the family members.

The bells rang, and the funeral officially began.

A pure white coffin slowly appeared at the church entrance, covered in a neatly folded American flag with its corners perfectly aligned.

The red, blue, and white colors stand out starkly and solemnly against a backdrop of black and white.

Eight NYPD officers wearing honorary sashes steadily carried the coffin toward the church's main entrance.

Everyone bowed their heads in silent tribute.

As the coffin was placed on the altar, Father Calvin's voice rang out slowly, solemn and firm:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Heavenly Father, today we gather in the church to bid farewell to the souls called to depart..."

"...The journey of life has come to an end. May the Lord accept this soul, comfort everyone present who is grieving, and let longing become remembrance, so that we may peacefully accept this farewell."

The scene quieted down.

For today's funeral, Archbishop Sawyer Belmont of New York specially sent a choir:

As Father Calvin finished his eulogy, a group of children's ethereal and solemn harmonies slowly emerged.

In the silence, only the sound of singing echoed above the dome of the main hall.

Debbie sobbed softly.

Mike's family began to weep.

......

Brian looked around, his expression grave, and said in a low voice:

"Matterson, something's wrong. There shouldn't be so many reporters today!"

Manderson stared straight ahead, his face filled with emotion, but he muttered something sinister under his breath:

"I saw people from Fox News and the New York Post, maybe it was Theodore's doing! If David Hart dares to send his men to cause trouble at this event, I'll teach him a lesson he'll never forget!"

For the mayor, the sheriff's death is the best opportunity to rally support; if he promises to crack down on gangs, he can gain more votes.

Anyone who causes trouble at this time is going against his votes and his mayoral seat!

Brian felt a little nervous, glancing around every now and then, afraid that someone might suddenly jump out and cause trouble.

Definitely confirming Mike's death would be crucial for his election campaign.

Surprisingly, the funeral went smoothly.

The funeral was somewhat lengthy, but it proceeded without incident.

Brian breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Theodore didn't go too crazy.

Mayor Manteson was the first to step onto the prepared podium and deliver his speech.

Facing countless cameras, he delivered a solemn and impassioned speech:

"We stand here today to bid farewell to a sheriff who died in the line of duty. Mike defended the rule of law in New York with his life! And what took his life was a gangster, a group of lawless thugs..."

Then it's Brian.

As a local congressman, he made a strong statement on camera:

"Fighting crime is not just a slogan, it's action! I will go to Congress to push for stricter anti-gang legislation, increase police funding, and severely punish attacks on police officers. We cannot let the blood of heroes be shed in vain..."

Henry Carter:

"The NYPD swears revenge for Sheriff Mike. We can't let his blood be shed in vain. The NYPD will find every bastard. If they're found in the bathroom, they'll drown in the toilet! If they're found on the street, they'll be shot on the street..."

Miles:

"All officers swore an oath of revenge..."

Then the sheriff's union president:

"We mourn your passing with deepest sorrow..."

......

The speech and interviews also concluded successfully.

Finally, Catherine and Debbie thanked the guests again, just as everything was about to end.

Gordon suddenly rushed to the front and shouted:

"Debbie, can I do an interview? I'm Gordon from the New York Post!"

Brian squinted, his palms starting to sweat.

Catherine gently tugged at Debbie, calmly refusing:

"She is a minor and will not give any interviews."

Debbie was a little confused, but she didn't say anything after hearing her mother's words.

Gordon, however, persisted, speaking at the top of his lungs:

"Debbie! According to the investigation, Sheriff Mike's estate is a whopping $110 million! A divorced sheriff, not only did your mother take most of his assets, but he also has to pay you child support every month. How did he accumulate so much wealth?"

"Can you explain where your father's money came from?!"

"Is Mike a corrupt cop?!"

"Was Mike shot in retaliation for a dispute over loot among the gang?!"

The scene erupted in uproar instantly.

Big news! The reporters, like bloodthirsty sharks, became excited.

The flashbulbs went off everywhere.