CHAPTER 1: FAREWELL IN THE RAIN

(2006)

The rain poured down continuously. It was the type of rain that didn't come with the wind or thunder. It was gentle but non-stop. A way to make the funeral memorable; is Helen Maria Stone's funeral. Some would say the sky was also mourning the loss of a beloved soul. Beautiful cars, polished to a shine, lined the Streets of Colonia San Rafael leading to the cemetery, proof of the wealth and stature of the Stone family. The mourners dressed in black attire, huddled under black umbrellas, with white handkerchiefs used to wipe their tear-stained faces.

Amidst the gentle patter of raindrops, the mourning congregation arrived at the cemetery: the prestigious Pantéon Francés, a place where the wealthy and influential laid their loved ones to rest. Here, within the neatly trimmed gardens of Pantéon, the final chapter of Helen Maria Stone's life would be written.

Richard Stone stepped forward to the front of the gathered congregation, a hush fell over the assembly, his height made it easy for him to look over all the grieving faces gathered, with a small paper in his hand and a heart heavy with sorrow and loss he began his eulogy;

"I stand here today to say a final goodbye to you, my wife, Helen. Yet if I were to make just one wish right now, I would wish that you were here right by my side as you have always been. But if wishes were horses even beggars would ride right?" He said with a chuckle but pain resonated in his voice.

"I am a man who was blessed to call Helen Maria Stone my wife. She was more than a partner to me, she was my mother, my sister, my friend, and my counselor. She was everything to me.  She had a way of soothing my craziest storms and her words brought comfort to me when nothing else did. Her laughter eased my pain. I was never alone with her by my side. Helen was a blessing in my life, and I know she touched the lives of so many others in the same way. 

We grieve her passing, we also celebrate the gift that she gave to us all. we will never forget the warmth and compassion that she brought to the world" he paused his gaze sweeping over the crowd again, amongst them was his son Williams Stone whose eyes were brimming with tears but he held his head high, merely thirteen years old yet possessing a resolve beyond his years.

Salvatore Deluca, the consigliere of the Scorpiono Mafians and Richard's trusted confidant stood stoically amidst the crowd. While he did not shed a tear, the somber set of his jaw and the furrowed lines on his brow revealed the grief he bore. Though his expression remained composed, the ache of losing Helen resonated deeply within him, a silent tribute to the affection he held for her. As Salvatore had always loved Helen. Richard's friends and relatives were there but just a few of Helen's relatives were there as Helen has been an orphan for a while, her only relative was her brother John Smith whom Richard noticed had not arrived yet before he went on to continue his speech.

"As we stand here today, we remember Helen with love and gratitude. She was a fighter, a woman of strength and courage who faced her illness with dignity. We watched her battle cancer with grace but its wicked hands prevailed, snatching her away from us far too soon, and though we mourn her passing, we are thankful for the time we had with her. Her laughter, her kindness, her wisdom, and her love will live on in our memories, and in our hearts. May she rest in peace, Knowing she was loved…." a voice from behind interrupted, "Loved? Is that what you call it?" Silence fell over the room as all eyes turned to the source of the voice. It was John, Helen's brother, with two other men by his side. Not affected by the attention, John continued, his voice filled with frustration, "She wasn't loved, you liar! She never should've been with you. Look where she ended up; dead! You Scorpiono Mafians! I warned her to stay away from all of you, but she wouldn't listen. You're responsible for her death!" John yelled, his pain evident.

"You must be delusional, John, to think anyone had a hand in her death. She passed away from cancer. There was nothing anyone could do," Richard countered.

"Lies! You'll join her too!" John said, pulling out a gun. Everyone gasped, scared, but Richard stood firm. "You wouldn't want to risk your sister not passing peacefully, would you? Drop the gun now, or you'll regret it," Richard warned calmly.

"Let's go, John. We'll settle this another time," one of John's men said, and they left, and the ceremony continued as if nothing had happened.

Later, in the quiet after the ceremony, Salvatore was alone with only an umbrella shielding him from the rain when he heard footsteps approaching. It was John Smith, looking grim. They locked eyes in silence until John finally spoke up.

"I remember how much you loved Helen and how you always wanted to be near her. I know you stayed with the Scorpiono Mafians just to be close to her. It must have been tough for you when she married Richard," John said.

"Where are you going with this, John?" Salvatore interrupted.

"Richard took Helen from you," John continued.

"Well, she's gone now, and nothing can change that," Salvatore replied.

"Richard hasn't treated you well, and we can do something about that. You deserve better, Deluca. You were meant to be with us. Help us take down Richard, and we'll help you too," John proposed.

"I'm not one to join the double axe mob," Salvatore retorted, though uncertainty lingered in his voice.

"No rush, Luca. I didn't say anything about joining us. We have a common objective and we both know what that is. You know what? Just think about it. When you're ready, give me a call," John said, handing him his card. Salvatore took the card hesitantly, watching John disappear, leaving him to ponder his decision once more. What would be his next move?