30. Christmas Eve 1979 (Part 5)

Tristan was standing outside the church alongside the other Irish families waiting for the Italians to arrive. He couldn't wait to see Vienna. He smiled as he saw the Rosario cars arriving first. They always came early. He had counted on that.

When the cars stopped, he watched Vienna get off the car. He approached her from behind and whispered "Hi Vienna."

Vienna jumped and turned "Hi."

Tristan took her hand in his and lead her away ignoring the other rosarios staring him down. He said "Where are my pastries Vienna?"

Vienna said "In the car safe and sound. We don't eat before mass so I just thought I give them to you later... Where are we going? The church entrance is the other way."

Tristan said "We are going to the crypt of the church. I like to be alone with you for a while."

Vienna walked down the stairs with him not arguing. She could feel the eyes of others on her. But she had to get used to it. Tristan wanted her in the crypt so she went with him no questions asked.

As they entered the area with stone walls under the church, Vienna gasped "Wow. I didn't expect this place to be so beautifully decorated."

Tristan said " It's Christmas. They decorate everywhere." He then pointed to a corner where there were stone tables and stone chairs. He pulled out a chair for her to sit down. Vienna sat down and he sat opposite her as he didn't let go of her hand. He said "Vienna ... I brought you here to tell you something."

Vienna asked "What is it?"

Tristan said "I couldn't say it in your house but I can say it here ... You know after today a lot will change."

Vienna said "That is what I was told when you were sworn in as the head of the O'Kanes."

Tristan shook his head "There is more change. It's about our families. After today our relationship won't be the same."

Vienna asked "What? What do you mean? You make no sense. We are here in church right now. What can go wrong?"

Tristan said "Nothing can go wrong at the church. It is what follows that can cause chaos."

Vienna said "You are worrying me. What will happen?"

Tristan said "It's not for certain. It all depends on the actions of your family."

Vienna asked "Actions of my family?"

Tristan nodded "Yes. For now Vincenzo will be occupied with his own vendetta he has against some old enemies. That will keep the rosarios busy. But there is other issues that your family will be facing and making decisions on..."

Vienna asked "What is it?"

Tristan said "The conflict of who's side to take in a different game."

Vienna said "You make no sense. What game?"

Tristan sighed "I didn't want you to hear it from anyone else but business will be tricky from now on. There will be at times we have to take sides. It depends on who's side your family takes. There will be traitors and rebels in every family. If we have common enemies all would be well but if we go against people that one side protects it world be causing tension. I just wanted to give you the heads up. Its about taking sides when it comes to dealing with spies and traitors. FBI agents will from now on try to enter through different doors. One way is to go through people we trust... I just wanted to warn you now that if I ever go after a member of your family it is nothing personal. I have to do it... I know it will upset you but here is me giving you a warning from now. There are ... suspects who could be traitors but could be innocent too... Still they need to be investigated."

Vienna's heart was beating harder now. She knew what it meant when the talk of traitors came up. There was no forgiveness. "Who are they Tristan?"

Tristan paused and rubbed her hand reassuringly "I am sorry Vienna but... Vanessa's mother, Flora is friends with the wife of an FBI agent. She has been warned by your father and now I have to interfere too. Its a matter that your father would have dealt with if the issue wasn't so personal. That FBI agent has been arresting some Irish families without charge. He had nothing on them but his accusations were correct. He had no evidence. But now that Vanessa's mother is becoming friends with them she must be questioned. She might be guilty or innocent.... She would be dealt with... by me... She is accused of spying.

Vienna shook her head "Flora is not a spy. She cant be..."

Tristan said "If she is not a spy then she wont suffer... but she would be suffering if it is proven she has been spying.... Her family would suffer too.. Her husband, Georgio Canavaro and their daughter Vanessa.... They will be put on my trial."

Vienna asked as she was feeling nauseous suddenly "This is wrong. Why isn't my father dealing with them? Why you? canavarros work for my father." Georgio canavarro was the brother in law of her uncle Antonio. She loved her auntie Georgina. She felt sorry for her.

Tristan said "Because the agents only have investigated the Irish. So I am the one who has to deal with this. Your father may lend his protection to them. If he does... But I have a feeling he wont. Your father will have bigger matters to worry about."

Vienna asked "How.. do you mean?"

Tristan said "You mayhave another traitor in your family...  Your uncle Angelo and his wife will need alot of protection from now on."

Vienna gasped "What about them? They are not traitors."

Tristan said "They are on my wanted list."

Vienna couldn't believe it "What? Why? What have they done?"

Tristan said "They ... have talked with the FBI. They have given names. There are no specifics but its no coincidence that some agents go around asking questions about my father after meeting your uncle Angelo and his wife for dinner."

Vienna shook her head. "No. They won't betray your father. I know they won't. Have FBI come to your door?"

Tristan said "Luckily for us, there is no evidence. They wouldn't come to our door because they know we can take them to court if they falsely accuse us. We look clean from the outside. My mother in particular is the all American mother and wife in their eyes. Doing charity work and running a non profit school ran on donations of the rich families with high quality education. The FBI agents didn't believe such reports but they did go around the neighbourhood asking questions. Lucky for us. But unlucky for your uncle and his wife, our spies have reported they had dinner with the agents. They may have just given away information without any pressure on them by the looks of it. Elize is untouchable because her father is a senator. They have to be brought to my justice Vienna. They are related to you but they have insulted my father. They have to face the consequences. But your father will be protecting them because your uncle Angelo is your mother's brother. That leaves canavaros out."

His words were registering in her mind. She couldn't believe it "I dont know about Elize.... but my uncle Angelo is no traitor. Why would my uncle betray anyone. I don't believe it."

Tristan said "That's something your uncle must answer. He may be innocent but he is on my wanted list. I can't ignore any reports. It all comes to me who is on the top. I have to deal with it."

Vienna said "Are you thinking of hurting my uncle?" Then Vienna stood up and got his hand free from his hand "If you hurt my uncle I will never forgive you."

Tristan stood up and frowned "Vienna. Your uncle knows what he is doing. If he has done nothing wrong he won't be harmed. But your father is protecting him either way. But tonight I did catch Austin... When you hold someone's child to ransom they would do anything. Your uncle would walk into fire if he has to in order to save his son."

Vienna shook her head "No you cant hurt my cousin."

Tristan said "This is war. Tonight alot will change. Havent you noticed, your uncle's family are not here? Neither are the canavarros. Its starting today. More traitors will be brought to justice."

Vienna shook her head "My family will stop you... You cant hurt Vanessa and Austin..."

Tristan said "Its too late. Those people can't be found... The Canavarros are at my uncle's mansion right now... I will be interrogating them... Your father will be coming to my home to negotiate about your uncle Angelo but I have Austin."

Vienna swallowed hard.

Tristan said "Vienna. Its war time... I can not change my stance."

Vienna said "I am not asking you too... My family would protect one of their own... We will... My father will stop you."

Tristan said "I hope he doesn't try."

Vienna shook her head and turned around as she felt tears threatening to come out slowly "Goodbye Tristan."

Tristan frowned "Where are you going?"

Vienna started walking to the exit "You brought me to a crypt where they kept the toms of the dead... You gave me the news of death and doom... You cant expect me to look at you the same way."

Tristan said "What are you saying?"

Vienna turned around "I cant be with you anymore Tristan..."

Tristan said "What? Vienna..."

Vienna said "You have a choice. If you hurt the people I care for, I would never love you."

Tristan felt a fire raging inside him. He of course remained calm "You dont mean that Vienna. This is life. Anyone who breaks the rules has to face the consequences. I am taking these people off your fathers hand in a way so he wont deal with them. The Irish are insulted so I get involved but at the end of the day I am helping your family..."

Vienna said "Hurting is not helping."

Tristan walked to Vienna "I would never hurt you.."

Vienna said "My uncle Angelo is family and the Canvaros are family... You will hurt them for your business reasons and will break my heart. I know your history. The Irish don't leave anyone who is a threat alive. They maybe innocent but you will kill them. "

Tristan said "Traitors have to be punished. They have to face trial. I am fair and just Vienna. I know your father would try to negotiate but if he chooses war there will be war but I will never hurt you Vienna. Ever. But I will have to punish those who deserve it"

Vienna wiped her tears that were soaking her cheeks "I could never let you touch me with the same hand that harms my family."

Tristan balled his hands into fists "Thats your promise. Hear my promise. I would never allow anyone to threaten your life. Your safety is more precious to me than life itself. If anyone threatens your life, I will kill them. I dont mind if you hate me. If I have to kill anyone to keep you safe I will do it..... I will let your uncle and cousin live. Thats one assurance I can give you and only you that I will not give anyone else. I love you enough to go back on my historical principles of my family. Doesn't that prove that I love you?"

Vienna was overwhelmed. The Irish didn't let traitors live and neither did they live anyone suspected of being a traitor but Tristan was willing to bend the rules for her. She sobbed as Tristan approached her and hugged her "Shh. It would be ok Vienna. Life is a war zone. We will get through this."

Tristan and Vienna held each other for a while. In the end when Vienna calmed down he took her hand in his and Tristan lead her outside. It was time to go inside the church. Tristan sat across Vienna and glanced around the room. He saw Vincenzo giving him a hard look. That night was the night of reckoning. Vincenzo had his own battles and so did Tristan. Vincenzo was going to collect the debt for Italians and Tristan had a score to settle for the Irish families.

After the service they made their way outside. The youth could now let off some steam. Vienna initially went to the Italian side but Tristan picked her up and took her to the Irish side bride style as she objected.

Tristan declared "I don't let you out of my sight Vienna. You should be used to this by now."

When Tristan put her down on the Irish side she huffed "Nothing stops me from throwing snow balls at you."

Tristan narrowed his eyes "Really Vienna? You will betray me? I will make sure you don't get the chance. I will stand right behind you."