26. Christmas Eve 1979 (Part1)

Weeks Later

The sound of the telephone woke him up. Trent opened his eyes and looked at the time. It was early morning and he found himself in his father's office on the sofa. He wasn't in his bedroom even. He had fallen sleep in the office where he had a crash course with his father for the past weeks. Now he was under a lot of scrutiny. He was the younger brother who had suddenly become someone else he never knew he was going to be. His role was a complicated one. Tristan was the head of O'Neil's, O'Kanes and Giovannis. It was his birth right. Trent was now someone who now worked for his brother alongside Sebastiano. He had been following orders for weeks. His brother had been scrutinising him from a long distance in Boston while his parents oversaw what he did. It was transition period and hard to take on. But part of him surprisingly loved it. He loved the challenge. Like his twin Clarisa he loved to take on the world.

Trent rubbed his eyes as he walked to the desk. He picked up the telephone "Hello..."

Sebastiano's voice hit him like a ton of bricks " Your brother is on his way."

Trent asked in shock "What?"

Sebastiano said "He has called for a meeting now... Bring all your reports... We are meeting at the O'Kane mansion in New York in two hours. Your brother has returned to New York just now and he wants the meeting to start as soon as we get there. He told me to tell you."

Trent sighed "My father is not home. He is away on business and his plane lands at noon. I can't leave the house."

Sebastiano said "He said you might say that. Look outside your window for heavens sake. Your house is safer than the White House."

Trent said "wait" He then walked to the window "Woah..." He then quickly walked back to the phone "My uncle Jackson is here..."

Sebastiano said "Yes he is. He will take care of it..."

Trent sighed "All right. Let me get dressed. I will be down there soon."

Sebastiano hung up the phone and looked down at his reports one last time. He sighed as he looked around the office. Ever since weeks ago he had been subjected to a lot of pressure. Times were changing. He thought of how much life had changed.

Sebastiano sighed as he collected all that he needed and made his way outside. He got into a car and looked at his home. He could see his father Sergio Giovanni looking down on him. It was training time and he had to pass his tests. He was confident in action but not so confident in theory. He never thought he would be an underboss for Tristan responsible with overseeing the Giovannis. He thought Tristan was going to have the sole role while he took part in action. He didn't want to lead when Tristan was the obvious candidate deserving of it. Now it was time to work hard.

Sebastiano arrived early and saw Jonas around the mansion's front grounds. He got off the car and nodded at him "Why aren't you inside?"

Jonas said "I have a visitor."

Sebastiano looked at him top to bottom "Sure. It seems like you have an important visitor... Tristan has a meeting. Aren't you attending."

Jonas rubbed his neck "He gave me time off. This meeting is life changing. I can't miss it... The meeting hasn't started but Tristan said if you want you can go sit in his office. He is doing a job interview. He doesn't mind you watching him."

Just then Trent arrived too. Sebastiano walked to him and explained the situation. They both decided to go watch Tristan. It should have been interesting. As they entered, Tristan nodded to them "Take a seat next to the window gentlemen."

They both sat down watching Tristan in his business mode. Tristan was standing in his office leaning to his desk. Tristan glanced at his brother and his cousin. He declared "This is the newly appointed lawyer who will be working for us but he has been on a short trial. If he passes he gets the permanent position. If he doesn't pass he gets a demotion for wasting my time."

The young man visibly shook. He started nervously drinking from a glass of water sitting on a chair facing his boss. The young lawyer had recently replaced his predecessor who was demoted. The old lawyer was now locked up somewhere in the mansion and was meeting some painful ends for telling too much to one of the FBI agents who had stopped him on the streets for questioning days before. The sight of his predecessor beaten and battered brought into the Boston mansion weeks ago was still fresh in his mind. He was just a young apprentice days ago but now he was taking on a job bigger than anything he could ever imagine. His father had worked for the O'Kane family for generations so luckily he didn't have to pass any big tests for loyalty. But in terms of performance he had to prove himself which scared the daylights out of him.

The young lawyer had looked through all the files that were given to him and had spent hours of day and night researching from any source he could get his hand on to manage to get through the meeting with the man in front of him. The man was young but his name brought fear to every criminal's heart anywhere from New York to Boston. He was not a forgiving man. He had class and style. He took no nonsense and expected results. On his very first day on the job he had seen what he could do. If anyone did not deliver he punished them as publicly as possible to make an example. He had only been the O'Kane heir for weeks but he was an established crime boss as the feared Tristan O'Neil. The young man was not sure how many minutes his boss was going to give him before he decided his fate. Second chances did not exist. So he was taking his time preparing himself.

Tristan started tapping his fingers at the edge of the desk where he was leaning on in standing postition. His voice boomed "Lochlan. You have drank a whole jar of water now. I am waiting." He then almost smiled at the young man's reaction who jumped in his seat and dropped the files that were on his lap as well as the glass of water to the floor. The young man apologetically bent down and picked up the files and put the glass on the table as he was shaking. He kept apologising "I am so sorry. Please forgive me... I am deeply sorry sir."

Lochlan did not know there was a reason he was recruited. He was intelligent. Too intelligent for his own good. Lochlan had been training with Costanzo Rosario's law firm ever since he had graduated from college last July until recently. The Rosarios had trained him well and that combined with his intelligence which made him quite a valuable asset. Tristan had managed to get this young man released from his contract with the Rosario family as he had fought hard for it as one of the first assignments he had done was replacing the old lawyer... This young man who was hand picked by Tristan belonged to the O'Kane family from generations ago. Tristan was not going to let him slip away. It was his pleasure doing business with Francesco Rosario and Viggo in New York.

Tristan could see that in the middle of the hectic times as FBI were setting traps for crime families, the Rosario family were going to last long for certain as Francesco had laid out the foundations of his business so well for Viggo to lead in New York. Their organisation was flawless pushing Tristan hard to make sure was even more flawless. There were hardly any weaknesses in his organisation. Tristan  liked to deal with perfection only and deliver perfection. He was being patient with the young lawyer in front of his because he believed the young man was perfect for his job. It was the young man's first assignment to do background checking on some of the new business associates of the O'Kanes in New York. Tristan couldn't wait to get this meeting over with so he could get to go to see Vienna. It was Christmas Eve after all.

Tristan watched Lochlan shaking in front of him. He was a recent law graduate but he was a genius. The young man was now staring at his lap muttering more apologies for the inconvenience he had caused. Tristan was almost amused.

Tristan's voice made the young man jump one more time "Stop apologising Lochlan. That is an order. Deliver to me what you have found out. Now. Also look at me when I am talking to you. I don't like my lawyer to look down too much..."

Lochlan swallowed hard and looked up at his boss "Sir... I am sorry." He then realised he shouldn't have said that and closed his eyes.

Tristan said "Lochlan. Now. Speak. Open your eyes. I won't shoot you for failing to compose yourself. But I will shoot you if you don't deliver the reports I asked of you days ago to complete. I know my uncle likes your family but no one will save you if I decide to shoot you. Don't waste my time."

Lochlan opened his eyes and gave out a shaky breath. He counted himself lucky to be alive. He had no idea how he was not shot dead yet. The boss was strict. But maybe because he had worked for the O'Kanes for generations, he was alive. Lochlan picked up the files with shaky hands "Sir, would you like to take a look through..."

Tristan sighed. Lochlan didn't seem to be able to present himself well. But he had to judge his research skills first before he came down on his presentation methods. Tristan nodded.

Lochlan shakily stood up and walked slowly to his boss who was staring him down. He looked down trying not to make eye contact as he put the files on the desk.

Tristan picked up a file and watched Lochlan walk back to the chair. The young man reminded him of Edward Blake for some reason. He was as skinny and clumsy. He managed to almost trip over as he walked back. He wouldn't have lasted long with some other crime bosses who wanted to also sign him up. Tristan was sure. No one liked weaklings. But Tristan was patient. At twenty one years old, Lochlan was quite smart and well established because of all the internships he had done with many different organisations. But he was still weak. If he was caught, he was a liability and that was why, Tristan didn't let him out of his sight. He was watched non stop and lived with the O'Kanes just like most family lawyers in crime families.

Tristan read through the files one by one as he could hear Lochlan fidgeting nervously with his pen in his hand. Without glancing up from the file he was reading Tristan said "So I can see you have found a reasonable amount of information on our associates. I am impressed Lochlan with your work. But ... I need you to present the information with confidence rather than asking me to read it. I give you some grace period. But then change must happen. Do you understand?"

Lochlan said automatically "Yes Sir." He then pressed his lips and braced himself.

Tristan knew Lochlan was mostly nervous with him because of what had happened to his predecessor. So he was being patient and besides he had done a lot of work.

Tristan had seen enough in the files to give him the permanent position. He was going to fix the nerves later. He declared "Alright. I give you the permanent position for now. If you disappoint me, you will pay up. Do you understand?"

Lochlan nodded shakily "Yes Sir."

Tristan said "Good. You may leave now...." He then watched the lawyer leave as he tripped on his feet but didn't fall as he left.

When he was gone, Tristan looked at Sebastiano and Trent. He said "Your turn. Trent. You go first."

Trent took a deep breath and delivered his report. Sebastiano then did so next."

Tristan was more relaxed with them. He sat down on the table and glanced at the two of them "These two weeks have been uneventful. Haven't they. I promise there is much more... I predict some casualties and victims. Many will suffer ..."

Trent and Sebastiano looked at each other silently but didn't say anything. Trent bit his lip and looked at his brother "How do you mean? From which side?"

Tristan smiled "Many sides... The tip of the iceberg is approaching and many will sink. It's about survival. Keep your eyes and ears open. If you neglect your duties, it can be costly... Then you will have to answer to me... You will be leading and I need you to be ready... Training is not forever. Our fathers can't afford to be in public eye too much... They have other background roles... We are at the front line. It's time to grow up..."

Sebastiano said "Jonas needs to be part of us..."

Tristan said "He will be but he will be my financial and legal advisor. He can't get his hands dirty... Not with us...He has enough on his plate. He has to answer to Sergei Santiago today."

Sebastiano and Trent both gasped.

Tristan said "That has got your attention. Hasn't it. Trust me. Whatever problems he has yours is much less... He has to apologise for asking Anastasia Santiago out without her father's permission. If his apology is not accepted then he has to explain why to Francesco Rosario. I won't protect him...I won't throw him to the wolves by handing him to Sergei Santiago but will hand him to Francesco rosario."

Trent and Sebastiano nodded in understanding. Sergei Santiago was known as the ghost crime lord of the underground world. He only did business with foreigners. The only American he acknowledged in any way as a friend was Francesco Rosario. Everyone else was a stranger. It was unfortunate Jonas had crossed him. They both tensed up after hearing this.

Tristan said "Relax. It's Christmas Eve. I won't ask for much today... But I need to ask do you have any secrets to tell me like how Jonas did. I had no idea which girl he fancied..." He glanced at Trent "You are not cheating on Amethyst. Are you? I don't want to answer a phone call from Arturo Agustini. He could be sinking our shipments if he hears you are betraying his daughter and much worse." There was a hint of amusement in his voice.

Trent shook his head "No. Tristan. Please don't joke about this."

Tristan smiled weakly and turned to his cousin "Sebastiano. Do you have something to tell me? Are you in any kind of trouble? Especially in the girl department?"

Sebastiano said "No Tristan. I don't have a girl. So I don't have girl trouble."

Tristan stood up and walked towards them "Keep it that way then... O'Kanes punish infidelity and so will I. You see where I am going..."

Tristan didn't like to be too authoritative with his brother and cousin. But slowly he had to be. They took orders from him... He didn't talk to his father after he was appointed as heir. He wanted to avoid it. So he didn't even call the house and passed on the message to Trent through Sebastiano. He was a bit worried if his father was ever going to defy him. Then what was he to do? Now he had conflicts. Was his father ever going to put him in a difficult situation? For now he liked that he only dealt with Trent and Sebastiano. It was part of the training he was having. He was performing so well, his uncle had suggested he could have Christmas off surprisingly which meant seeing Vienna. His heart jumped at the thought. He was very excited. After he said goodbye to his brother and cousin he made his way to the Rosario part of town with his big party of guards. He got to the Rosario mansion and when he got off the car he saw Viggo who came down to greet him "Tristan.... I thought you were Vincenzo. You arrived earlier than him."

Tristan said "Isn't he in Sicily?"

Viggo said "He touched down today. He will be here for a few days. I am as surprised as you are."

Tristan nodded "How is Angelia?"

Viggo took a deep breath "Not so good. There were shootings near her home. It brought bad memories. She lives in down town. I went to see her in the middle of the night but had to come back because my father is out with my mother doing some last minute Christmas shopping this morning. Vincenzo is coming and we have some last minute guests ... Arturo Agustini and family are coming today too. It will be a complete Rosario Christmas this year... My uncle Antonio and uncle Costanzo are coming too."

Tristan said "That's good... Do you think your father will let me take Vienna to my home this Christmas?"

Viggo shook his head "No. I am sorry. He doesn't believe in breaking tradition. Only after you marry my sister you can ever do that. She is a Rosario so she dines with rosarios. Well Angelia doesn't get that special treatment either. His principles say she has to stay away until I marry her and make her a Rosario. Who are you dining with? Your father won't sit with your uncle Jackson. Is he?"

Tristan said "It's complicated this year. I will make choosing easy for my father. I have invited all my Irish cousins and distant cousins to the O'Kane mansion this year. I have invited the Giovannis too. If my uncle Jackson can endure my grandpa Giovanni then my father can endure my uncle Jackson. He will say yes... But Viggo, maybe it's time to break tradition. We are the new heirs in training. We can make allowances."

Viggo said "I would rather not. I believe in the same principles."

Tristan said "I do too. But ... We can bend the rules at times."

Viggo said "We'll. Vienna agrees with that. She likes to bend the rules you put in place for her."

Tristan asked in a curious tone "What has she been upto?"

Viggo said "Ask her yourself. She is upstairs in the kitchen."

Tristan said "I will ask her." He then walked past him to get through the door not thinking much of what Viggo said. What rules could she be breaking under her father's roof? She hadn't left the mansion at all in the past few weeks based based on the reports.

Tristan reached the family floor and walked inside the kitchen expecting to find Vienna. But he found the kitchen empty. But she found freshly baked muffins and pastries on the table and the oven was on with what seemed to be a cake tray inside. The smell of freshly baked delicacies was inviting. He walked in and picked up a muffin. He bit into it and it melted in his mouth. It was delicious. It tasted of cinnamon and apple that was Vienna's favourite flavour to bake.

Tristan waited a few minutes but when he didn't see her come to the kitchen, he decided to go look for her.

When Tristan reached her room, he knocked "Vienna?"

He didn't hear anything back so he decided to go inside. He has missed her  so much. He didn't mind looking at her room and her belongings that he hoped could move with her to his home one day soon. Traditions said marriage cake first but moving in was no big deal in his view but it was in her father's view so he had to wait until their wedding.

As Tristan opened the door he felt her come behind him. He smelled her perfume before he felt her touch. He felt a kick behind his knee. It wasn't hard enough to unbalance him but surprised him. He turned around "Vienna..." He then saw her tank top and shorts. It was winter. Why was she dressing like this. He then suddenly found her pushing him. He decided to go with it. It seemed like she was trying to karate kick him with some complicated moves that she hadn't learnt from him and he didn't want to retaliate to hurt her. So he decided to just restrain her. As he fell down he took her down with him by pulling her by her hands. Vienna made a chuckle as she collapsed on him while Tristan held her wrists. She tried to get up but couldn't.

Tristan narrowed his eyes "So you have been breaking the rules... Haven't you? I told you not to try anything dangerous Vienna. Have you been trying karate lessons when I told you not to take it while I am gone... I only want to be the one to teach you self defence...."

Vienna mumbled as she looked away "Welcome back... I saw you from the window in the kitchen and got excited. I thought I surprise you. I didn't know you will get mad..."

Tristan said "I am mad..." He then switched positions with her. Now she was now lying on the floor while he was on top staring at her but he was not touching her. His weight was on his hands. But he had caged her on the floor not letting her move. He said "I am mad about you Vienna." He then leaned close and kissed her lips.

Vienna moaned as she put her hands on his rock hard chest deepening the kiss. She pulled away once she was out of breath "I missed you... I thought I practice self defence more seriously now that you are gone... I needed it Tristan."

Tristan said "I will teach you. So who tutored you... I want to know who decided to lay a hand on you while I was gone.... These complex moves are not taught in school..."

Vienna said "Viggo did..."

Tristan raised an eyebrow "Oh really... Interesting... I didn't know that martial arts is a passion of his... I think I will teach him some moves of my own later today... so he knows how much more he needs to learn before he can coach anyone."

Vienna innocently said "He is fully qualified."

Tristan said "Sure. But he needs some more learning...Vienna... I don't want anyone to touch you while I am not here..."

Vienna said "Then that leaves me a punch bag to punch."

Tristan said "Who said you need to rush to defend yourself while I have been gone hardly two weeks or so...."

Vienna replied again innocently "Viggo did..."

Tristan said "Oh really? He needs some self defence himself... Vienna no extreme sports while I am gone... punch a punch bag then... I will teach you anything you want today..."

Vienna said "That's great of you do that.... How can I thank you..."

Tristan said "Payment is accepted in form of kisses and cuddles." He then winked.

Vienna smiled "Tristan ... You are funny..." She then kissed him as he smiled to himself. It was so easy being with her. It was as natural as breathing.

Once their kissing session was over, Tristan rolled away from her and laid down on the floor next to her.

Vienna was breathing heavily as she turned to him "You have changed abit..."

Tristan looked at her while lying down "How?"

Vienna shrugged "I don't know... You are ... I don't know how to explain it... It's like you are looking more serious and rough but not in a way to hurt me... But you are different."

Tristan asked "Can you get used to me like this? Does it bother you?"

Vienna said  "I like you either way Tristan. It doesn't bother me... But what have you been doing in the last two weeks to make you change..."

Tristan said "Training... Plenty training. Day and night...Time is running out. I am running three families Vienna. I have so little time to know everything and be on top of everything... Do you understand that?"

Vienna nodded "Yes... But I don't like it..."

Tristan said "Well... You don't like it but I do. I love it. I want to be in control of my life so I can protect my family ...." He then finished the sentence in his mind "That includes you and our children one day..." But he didn't want to scare her off. She had insecurities about him wanting to pressure her to take their relationship to the next level... He wanted it but he wanted to bind himself to his beliefs in abstinence more.

Vienna looked at the ceiling "Tristan... "

Tristan turned to her "Yes Vienna."

Vienna sighed "Will you come to see me more often... I will miss you Tristan. My father said your uncle said you can come now but it's a one off. Is it true you will come on my birthday the next time? That's in July... 7 months away..."

Tristan reached his hand to hers and held it in his "It will pass quick. You just study hard... In college you will have more freedom to see me... Once you turn seventeen it gets easier...."

Vienna looked at him "Tristan ... There is something you need to know about me... I don't know how to tell you but I can't wait another 7 months..."

Tristan squeezed her hand reassuringly "What is it you want to tell me? Tell me... I like you not to hold back... You can phone me up too. It's just I don't have time to come visit from now on before my training is over..."

Vienna bit her lip "Tristan .... I have to tell you in person ... I don't know how to tell you... I have done something bad..."

Tristan asked "What have you done Vienna? I will protect you..."

Vienna said "I don't need protection... I feel bad about what I did .... I feel guilt..."

Tristan said "What are you saying? I won't judge you... You can tell me anything..."

Vienna hesitated "Tristan ..." She quickly let go of his hand and stood up as she pulled a rope dangling from the ceiling. Suddenly, Tristan saw the bucket above him and he docked in time. He rolled over and stood up watching glitter and coloured paper shapes poured down on where he was..."

Tristan said "Did you just try to prank me?"

Vienna said "I tried but failed. Vincenzo told me to do it...."

Tristan shook his head "Failed attempts are fatal Vienna. Don't listen to your big brother next time." He then closed the distance between them and picked her up in his arms "So you liked to have glitter in my hair? Do you want me to do that to you?"

Vienna gasped "No... Please... We have guests...."

She was adorable when her lower lip quivered. He smiled and put her down while he wrapped his arms around her waist "Convince me not to decorate you like a Christmas tree..." He wasn't going to do it.... it was just a threat... one that she took seriously.

Vienna said "I will do anything...."

Tristan smiled in a wicked way "That's a good answer..." He then attached his lips to hers.