But today, without a moment's hesitation, he walked through the passage opened by the crowd, stepping into the silence and solemnity of the occasion, until he stood in front of Mrs. Kali.
He took off his hat, pressing it to his chest, and lowered his head slightly—something he had never done even for Napoleon: "Madam..."
The sound of breathing in the crowd diminished considerably, as Rowan moved his throat, raised his hand in salute, and said, "As the Commander, I failed to protect my subordinate, for this, I am truly sorry."
Many of the old police officers in formation found themselves with tingling noses at the scene, and even the usually frivolous journalists put away their pens.
Silence lingered for a few seconds in front of the church, then suddenly, a voice emerged from the crowd, softly leading the others, "May he rest in peace."
"May he rest in peace."
The belated blessings of the past year resonated together in front of St Martin's Church.
