The enemy

< Chapter 1 >

"I would like to welcome everyone as we have gathered here today to celebrate the life of a very special, respected and well-liked man, who will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Luther was an intelligent man, who inspired many. He was also very respectful to the people around him and I am sure he will be remembered and missed by everyone here today. Now we leave him to rest in peace as he watches over us. May we celebrate his life and send him back to God with special thanks for giving us the chance to have known and loved him, Amen."

It was a dull, chilly day today in Chicago as we were all watching on as my Uncle's body was being lowered into the ground six feet deep.

My uncle was a very loveable man and we had a great bond so it does hurt to witness this. He will forever hold a special place in my heart and I will always remember the fun and happy memories we shared together.

As my Uncle's body had now been lowered into the soil, people began dropping red roses onto his coffin as I noticed something from the corner of my eye.

Under the dark, grey clouds, everyone stood silently still, mourning the tragic death of my uncle as a figure, dressed in all black, stood watching from afar.

The figure happened to be stood under a large tree, facing us head on, giving me the slight creeps.

The person noticed me staring and nodded at me.

Maverick Scarrow. My father's very close friend, one that also brought me up along with my parents. I haven't seen him in months and he just shows up like this.

He was also very close to uncle Luther so I'm not surprised he'd be here but why is he acting like he doesn't want to be seen by anyone? He's very welcomed and liked in our family.

He then gestured for me to go over to him, in which I did, but cautiously, trying not to alert anyone although I don't understand why Maverick is hiding from us.

As I slowly made my way over to him, everyone then began making their way back towards the church as they began collecting all of their belongings as we were all to attend my Uncle's wake ceremony after the burial was over with.

Nobody had yet noticed me moving away from them as they all were focusing on their own shit and minding their own business.

Once I had approached Maverick, he pulled out a cigar from his jacket pocket, lighting it and placing it between his lips before being ever so generous and handing me one.

As everyone had now left his grave, me and Maverick stood side by side under the gigantic tree looming over us, taking in the dull view of the graveyard as we both didn't have the slightest clue what to say.

After a few awkwardly quiet moments, Maverick spoke from beside me, "how'd he die?"

Maverick has been back home in Ireland for the past few months, therefore he doesn't know much about Luther's death, I'll be the one to explain it to him.

"Multiple gunshot wounds." I told him, puffing on the cigar in my mouth, whilst continuing to look ahead of me but I could feel Maverick's eyes on me.

"Ah, let me guess, a good old shootout?" Maverick and my father have been working together for almost twenty years now. Maverick is like family and knows everything about this family, so he knows what we are like.

In response, I just nodded as we both became silent again.

As the clouds began to get darker, I could feel specks of rain hitting my face.

I put out the cigar as I could feel the storm coming on, Maverick then hung an umbrella over the two of us. He always comes prepared no matter the circumstances.