Rain fell on the passing funeral procession as it drove through the cemetery. Dozens of cars slowly approached the top of the hillside to their final destination; a newly erected of James Fitzpatrick III. Nearby his name had been freshly carved on the family mausoleum. His son watched from close proximity as his urn was placed inside the family vault. His younger sister was crying on the shoulder of her mother with her husband standing beside her trying tho soothe her. Jim, on the other hand, displayed no emotion for his dead father simply watching silently as a few words were spoken about his father. Once the quick service was over the attendants fled to a canopy tent that had been raised nearby crowding underneath to get away from the rain. As Jim joined the wet masses under the canopy he was barraged by people. Many only passing acquaintances who had to spend more time trying to get Jim to remember how he knew them than anything else. They would say a quick and empty condolence before pulling out a business card and giving a quick pitch. Jim faced the horde amicably it was well known that Winst never stops networking even in the face of death. Smiles and small talk continued for some time before he slipped away in a lull. He grabbed an umbrella and found a rather protected spot under a nearby tree overlooking his father's new statue. Where others saw a stoic face, and a gentle smile only found scorn and mockery. To Jim his father's statue was everything wrong with the man. Jim lit a cigarette while cursing under his breath sending a puff of smoke into the air.
"That'll kill you, you know." A man said approaching Jim's hideaway. Jim looked up to see the face of his cousin Edward Carnagie giving him a false look of worry.
"Says the man who got a new lung four years ago. I didn't expect you to show up for my old man's funeral Eddie." Jim replied in a cold unemotional voice. Edward's eye twitched a little when Jim called him Eddie. It was nearly impossible for most people to pick up on but Jim had devoted half of his life to pissing Edward off, time well spent in Jim's opinion.
"It's just Edward now Jim I'm the head of the Carnagie family." Of course, Jim already knew that and Edward knew that he did also, but such things would never be discussed publicly between the two, at least not anymore.
"My apologies Mr. Carnagie I meant no offense" Jim replied dryly
"Don't be like that Jim, I'm trying to reconnect here. We've fought in the past, but things are different now the circumstances have changed."
Edward exclaimed extending his arms out towards his father's statue. His voice and expression were carefully tailored as he softened his features looking more humble and saddened. Jim, however saw the truth Edward's eyes never changed they were sharp and calculating always looking for a chance to gain more power. Edward continued
"Your father was a great man, we need to continue working together to complete your fathers last project."
Jim took a long drag of his cigarette before exhaling with a sigh.
"No Eddie, no he wasn't. He was an antiquated fool who has driven my family into the ground. He wanted to keep us in the past where he felt safe, and worse of all he was far too trusting of "Family".
Jim's eyes grew harsh as he turned to face Edward for the first time. The sudden shift in mood broke through Edwards defenses forcing a smirk across his face before quickly disappearing.
"My father went to his grave thinking it was his fault the company collapsed, but Edward I know the truth you betrayed my Father to boost yourself up. He trusted you and you stabbed him in the back."
"What are you implying here Jim" Edward responded barely controlling his anger.
"You know damn well what you did to us for your own personal gain. Don't think that nobody noticed how you became head of the Carnagie Family. My father was blinded by his love for you, but people know the real you Edward. That fool can root in hell for all I care but I will restore my family, and I will do everything in my power to end you Edward.
Rage filled Edward's face before he regained control. The smirk returned to his face as he began to walk away "Good luck with that Jim, good luck with that."
"Edward, It's James Fitzpatrick to you"
Edward scoffed as he waved back at him before getting back into his car.
James took one last drag of his cigarette before dropping it on the nearby cement foundation of a bench extinguishing it with his foot. At his disposal was the rest of the Fitzpatrick wealth not much but enough to begin rebuilding the Fitzpatrick name little by little. Looking at his father's statue James proclaimed
"I will bring this family greatness you stupid fool. You shall be forgotten in the history of our family mark my words."
From behind the tree, a woman appeared in a black dress.
"I may be able to help you achieve your goal and my own at the same time." The woman began "My employer has been looking for a partner for quite some time you seem like a likely candidate. How much do you know about Mining in Abutu?" as a smile drew across her face.