It was televised all over the country, all over the world.  The authorities had trapped Mark Burke into surrender and had found information which led them all over the world.  They were still not even through half of the information, but were already surprised to find the drug operation was spread bit by bit over the globe, with each location covered up expertly.

Two days after the ambush at Ivy, Marilyn Bassey escaped custody.  This, too, was publicized greatly.

Eight days after the ambush, a closed memorial service was held around the small settlement of Ivy, Missouri.  The October day rose cloudy, fitting the gloomy mood that had settled over the nation.

At this moment, very few people knew the whole story.  Ninety-nine percent of the world knew only a large drug operation had been uncovered at the expense of thirty-one lives.  Only three days earlier, the first picture was seen, somehow obtained by the press.  On October twenty-second, many people awoke to a saddening picture of a white rose spattered with blood.

One person in particular had been watching all this with avid interest.  On a small island off the coast of Columbia, a satellite was picking up the signal of several American television stations, most of which were carrying the story on the news.  Now, at the time of the memorial service, Marilyn Bassey sat down in front of the TV.

The service was televised.  As millions watched the procession of families, friends, and relatives, many hearts were softened with sympathy.  And when an infant’s wails could be heard, many tears were shed.

After the service, huddled figures in black could be seen surrounded by bodyguards, trying to get to their cars, while the press descended upon them.  Drake and Ivey, along with Merry, Amy, and Chloe took cover in their limousine, but not before Drake had the last word.

After the others were in the limousine, he turned around and said some simple words.  “I hope you have what you want now, Marilyn, because it took killing your daughter to get it.”

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Message from the author:

Thank you for reading this story. It is most certainly the first novel I have written, and I put a lot of time and effort into it. Thank you also to all my friends who helped with revisions!
Britney Gardner

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