Thanks for that info Chris, I knew some of history but not as much as you've offered. I've only known Paisano for a few years so I never did get to see his old side. The Paisano I knew was always a kind person to me and always was always gracious whenever I gave him a ride, a smoke or a couple of bucks. He would often talk well of the older San Pedrano's as we drove around. I think you're right that as his time drew to a close he must have seen the error of his ways and in his own way was trying to make some amends. A saint he certainly wasn't but I'll bet he'll give Satan a good beating with that cane on his road to redemption.

One year when I had been working with TMM down in Placencia for a month or so, one of the first places I dropped by after coming home was BC's for a beer. I few minutes later I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around to see Paisano, the first words out of his mouth were "welcome back". I was really touched by the fact that he even knew that I had been gone as I had never told him I was going off the island. It was one of the things that really made me feel that I was a part of the community. I will forever cherish the kind words he had for me on Friday when I last saw him.

Thanks to Short, I never new his real name.