34. The Irish King (Part 4)

O'Neil was looking at Tristan trying to analyse his son's intentions. He had taught Tristan to not reveal his cards when he dealt with people. His son was hard to read but at that moment O'Neil could see Tristan's guard was slightly down but not completely. He could see that his son was looking at him expectantly for a response as he stared back at his son wordlessly and calmly. Tristan was his son. How could he be totally honest with him knowing he was going to put him opposite Jackson. The O'Kanes didn't play like he did. He didn't think his son was ready to take on his mentor. He had to guide his son so he didn't go after Jackson O'Kane but also got some answers that O'Neil was dying to give him. Tristan was right. O'Neil was his father. He was meant to have all the answers but for reasons only he could understand, O'Neil had no choice but to hold back.

Tristan resembled him in every way and was taught well by O'Neil. He didn't want to speak first and neither did O'Neil.

O'Neil smiled at his son "It's funny how you look up to your old man when your mentor is the one who should be the one you go to son. Uncle Jackson is here to help. Isn't he?"

Tristan spoke "Father. He is my mentor who happens to be related to me but that's where it ends. I have secrets that uncle Jackson does not know of and he has secrets surely he hasn't told me about."

O'Neil chuckled nodding "You can bet on it."

Tristan sighed "Father. I don't have time for making jokes. Uncle Jackson is who he is. He is trusted by me enough to not doubt his instructions because I know that for now I am useful to him and I am the only one who can lead his organisation because I am who his people respect. I have no idea why they don't respect you as much as they should but I will work on it."

O'Neil's expression turned serious "There is a very good reason they don't like me Son. Trust me. It's historical."

Tristan said "Father, we live in the present now ... but either way that is another matter ... Let's just get back to the present. All I am trying to imply is that I am willing to show my cards only to you. I only trust you with revealing my thoughts and feelings not expecting a consequence or backlash. I protect my secrets from the rest of the world and even uncle Jackson at times... Meanwhile, there is nothing but trust and love between a father and son. Nothing and no one could replace who a father is to their son. No one can replace your place for me Father. I dont take it for granted and certainly am not going to pretend I know everything just to prove I am independent and dominant. I have a lot to learn. Father. Why do I get the feeling you are surprised by my request for help? I need advice and not just anyone's advice. I need your advice because you know best. Why does it come across as a shock?"

O'Neil said "I think I am outnumbered by the number of people who are willing to give you advice son. Why come to your old man when you have a range of people in the house O'Kane who are facilitators at your service. There are also advisors only a phone call away on global scale all trusted and paid for by your uncle Jackson..."

Tristan objected "We have been through this Father. How can I make myself clear. I always need you father. Who else can I come to when I need advice? Everybody out there wants to make me a tool to achieve their goals. My men want wealth and promotions. My uncle wants power, my enemies want my death, my allies want my protection ... The demands of those around me never ends. Every one wants something from me. But I care for what you want from me father... These recent events have tested my boundaries. I know that you are who I like to turn to always. I need to know what you want me to do. I need your point of view on the turn of events that happened last night ... Father stop questioning my intentions. I am becoming impatient..."

O'Neil stopped himself from pushing his son on the matter of trusting him over his uncle. He wanted to see what Tristan really thought of O'Kane. He didn't reveal much but enough. So he nodded "Very well. I see your impatience. I answer you now ... but wait moment here... Lets forget my view for now. Tell me this... What does your woman want? What does Vienna want from you?"

Tristan replied "Its a good choice you have stopped with the questioning. Time is short ... Vienna wants mercy and peace. She just wants mercy and redemption for the weaker ones..."

O'Neil said "Angelia is not weak. She needs medical support and love."

Tristan shook his head "Father. I am asking you not to mention her name in front of me. My concern is Vienna..."

O'Neil ignored his son's comment. His son must have been still on edge even after seeing Vienna alive and well. He asked "What does Francesco want from you?"

Tristan said "Love and protection for his family...."

O'Neil asked "Did you manage to meet his expectations tonight like you always do or you failed to do so?"

Tristan replied "I did. I didnt hurt his family and did not intend to."

O'Neil said "But you threatened his family Tristan. You dont just threaten Francesco Rosario. He sees you like a son. You are his godson. You are my son. Dont get used to threatening his family because he doesnt retaliate immediately but he will one day if you cross the line. He understands your anger but he doesnt appreciate your lack of trust in him to handle these recent events that has lead to the current situation. Francesco operates on certainty and not immediacy. I have taught you this important lesson enough times. He may not backhand you for threatening his family but he will get you back if he wishes it or sees it as necessary one day in future. It could be an hour later or a day later. Don't forget that. He could ban you from seeing Vienna. It's his daughter's safety. He has the right to ban you but he told me you have his trust that you want to protect his daughter and lucky for you, he is letting you get close. I can't say that his sons will follow him but who knows. You have earned Francesco's respect but once you insult him, heavens help you. I know how far I can push before I make an enemy out of him. I have come close. But our alliance survived. He is handing the reigns to his sons so he can mentor them but still... He runs the Rosario family and is the backbone. Respect him."

Tristan said "I accept what you say and I do respect him..."

O'Neil said " Now. Let's establish this. Francesco trusts you. Do you trust him?"

Tristan said "I trust him.."

O'Neil said "Then let him handle the situation from last night."

Tristan said "But Vienna nearly died last night."

O'Neil said "Thats Francesco's daughter we are referring to Tristan. You forget that you are not the only one who cares for Vienna. There is Francesco, there is Arturo... there is also me... Dont you think Francesco has his own methods in dealing with this situation? Dont you trust Francesco to handle this incident?"

Tristan said "Vienna is my woman... Its my responsibility to protect her... I dont play games with her safety and certainly cant possibly just wait around hoping for others to carry out their own version of protecting her. I cant afford to take that risk..."

O'Neil said "So join them..."

Tristan asked "Father, I dont have time for negotiations. There are threats to Vienna's life. She could have died last night..."

O'Neil said "But she didnt die last night Tristan... That makes a huge difference to the situation at hand... She wasnt meant to die last night so she didnt die... If a soul is meant to die on a certain date, they will die. Don't you learn such lessons at Sunday school any more? In my day, the acceptance of life and death was the most reoccurring lessons... Just know this Tristan. No force on this planet can stop death from happening when it comes for you and no one can prevent it by any means. I have had my fair share of near death experiences son. I remember when I jumped with my parachute from a plane that was about to crash years ago before you even were born... I blanked out and hit the ground. I felt at peace and know death was near. Maybe it was a dream where I felt nothing but calm and peace. In my dream I hovered above my body looking down at myself... But the next scene I remember  is where I woke up days later seeing your mother... It wasnt my time to go. The incident made me become closer to your mother actually. Before that we almost got a divorce."

Tristan sighed "Father. You are always close to getting a divorce from mother... But either way after that accident you did go after those who caused the plane crash to guarantee your safety and your family's safety. I have the right to defend myself and those I love. Don't I Father? So why can't I find it in me to be content with what I have done? Why does it bother me how I reacted to Vienna's accident? It doesn't feel right one hundred percent. Why do I feel this way."

O'Neil said "You know all the answers within you Tristan. I know you better than yourself. Just try to think about my experiences and compare them to yours. We are two different people but not that different. After my accident I did go on a mission but not to take revenge. I went to eliminate the dangers for my family. I didn't need to do anything of course. Your mother had taken care of all my enemies while I was out from that accident. He even had a back up plan to protect her family by marrying costanzo Rosario of all the people ..."

Tristan cringed "Father I don't need to know about that... I need advice and no history visit...."

O'Neil said "Son. This is no history visit. This is a life lesson I am trying to get across to you. Always put your family above anyone else. You are fighting for Vienna right now. Am I right? Thats what you are meant to be doing. So you are technically fighting for Francesco and his family. 'Then why on earth do I hear that you are the one throwing threats and promises in Francesco's way when you are fighting for his daughter? You are on his side. Why are you threatening him?"

Tristan defended " Vienna could have died. I defend her naturally."

O'Neil said "But she didnt die. The forces who protect her, did come to her rescue. She didnt die because she wasnt meant to die last night and Francesco had enough allies to lend him men power to follow that car. Francesco had enough people who feared him out there. No one took advantage of the situation. No one dared. You do know some parts of that car went missing after the accident. Right? What if I told you that traces of a bomb was found in that car but it didnt go off because the bomb wasn't the type to go off on impact. It was meant to go off with a remote control that was never used. Why do you think that is? Someone wants Angelia dead. But doesnt want Vienna dead."

Tristan was bewildered "I didn't see any traces of a bomb. I had my mechanics check the car for faults. Nothing was found."

O'Neil said "Of course. The O'Kane mechanics won't find anything Whoever did this must have had enough power and influence to get through the police protection around the scene in the first hour or so to remove any suspicious devices. These mechanics didn't find anything but your old man did ... on the scene. The car had a bomb inside and was tampered with to cause an accident but not at big scale. The driver caused the crash to be a major one by driving too fast."

Tristan was silent. He was taking in his father's words with full attention. O'Neil applauded his son for his self control and concentration. This wasn't time to get angry or throw chairs around. This was time for contemplation.

Tristan whispered in a displeased tone "So the car was tampered with and a bomb was planted so it looks like an accident when the car lost control and burst into flames. The target was really Angelia and not Vienna."

O'Neil nodded "Yes. That's why I think Angelia doesn't need to be blamed while she is the one who people want dead... I can tell you there is no point hurting her or killing her..."

Tristan said in a hardened tone "She is partially responsible father. Knowing someone was trying to kill her doesn't excuse how she endangered Vienna by allowing a stranger who was not background checked by Viggo to be in the same car as Vienna. She knew the deal. There are two separate matters to deal with."

O'Neil sighed "Of course. But what's most pressing is to think who is too powerful to be getting this close and not being found. Someone is covering their tracks well. They don't seem to be after Vienna but they are powerful enough to be crossing paths with you without you knowing it. But I have a feeling they have learnt their lesson and won't come after Vienna again..."

Tristan said "I can't take chances. I wish to eliminate Angelia from the equation so she won't be a danger to Vienna."

O'Neil said " There is no point. Angelia's future won't look so bright and stable until the day Francesco allows his son to make it all official with her. Once she becomes a Rosario, this means war if someone even has bad intentions to her... Just leave it Tristan."

Tristan said "I can't."

O'Neil said "As for Vienna. Don't worry about her. Vienna is Francesco's daughter. She doesnt really need your protection as long as Francesco is alive. Vienna has brothers too. Viggo and Vincenzo are building their reputation slowly. The day Francesco is not able to protect his family then go ahead and by all means throw accusations in his way but I can assure you when that day comes, he will come to you first and will ask you do his job for him. He would ask you to protect Vienna when he cant. He is a father. He knows whats best for his child. You believe that at least which tells me there is hope for you to not make attempt of unnecessary actions that you made tonight. Francesco has put in place many measures to protect his family. Get close to him and his sons rather than picking a fight with them and threaten them..."

Tristan said "I told you father. It came natural to me..."

O'Neil said "That's why I label what you did as "unnecessary actions". I don't call them "mistakes". You didn't need to work against Francesco and Viggo on this matter. You could work alongside them. Francesco is the model father. Viggo is the model brother to Vienna..,"

Tristan said "The model brother who didn't even react to his woman nearly causing the death of his sister? The model brother who is defending a reckless out of control woman who nearly got Vienna killed?"

O'Neil said "How are you certain of  your statements?"

Tristan said "Because I was there talking to him for hours."

O'Neil said "Didn't it even occur to you that he feels much worse than you do about this matter? Viggo is Vienna's twin brother. They are close siblings. Didnt it not occur to you that he is now beating himself up about this matter and feels he is responsible?"

Tristan said "Not really. All he did was defending Angelia."

O'Neil sighed and leaned back. He crossed his arms over his chest. He stared at his son. "It seems like we will be here a while. Do you have some Irish cream whiskey in this place?"

Tristan asked "Father. There is no time for this."

O'Neil started inspecting the car "I need some strong Irish cream whiskey. It's what your uncle drinks too."

Tristan said "Father... I need you to continue. Time is short."

O'Neil smiled in success as he located a bottle in a small compartment under the seat. He sat up straight and opened the bottle " Everyone has no time. But you are not everyone. You are an Irish king. No one disturbs you unless you give them permission to do so. We have time and believe me we need this talk. It's long over due." He then drank from the bottle in one go and disposed of it.

Tristan said "Now tell me more father."

O'Neil was chuckling at how intently his son was looking at him with intention of memorising every word. Their father son Talk was always like that. He breathed "Son. How much do you know about Viggo?"

Tristan said "I know enough to judge him as biased towards the woman he loves. He ignored Vienna's safety last night."

O'Neil said "Really? You think so? Don't you think you are a bit too harsh on him?"

Tristan said "No."

O'Neil said "Well. You see Viggo is a man I see myself in. When I was young I used to be like him... a lot. That's why I understand him more... He doesn't want revenge but you do."

Tristan said "He doesn't believe in revenge...."

O'Neil said "Right. He doesn't believe in it. He wants his sister's safety. He wants her happiness but he also wants to be happy but can't be. Not anymore. You know Francesco has already passed on judgement on Angelia. You want to give your verdict while he has given his already."

Tristan asked with surprise "What verdict is that?"

O'Neil said "Francesco asked Angelia what is the best way to serve justice.... Angelia said ... giving up Viggo. She is breaking up with Viggo. Francesco knows that's a death sentence. She doesn't have any protection but Viggo. So the game is over for her unless Viggo fights hard to keep her close even though she is no longer wishing to be associated with him. But Francesco also does feel that his son needs a lesson. He did miss signs to protect his woman which wasn't his fault. He won't interfere. He hasn't objected."

Tristan asked "When was this decision made?"

O'Neil said "After you went in to see Vienna. Francesco went to box for a while and then asked to see Angelia next with Viggo. Francesco of course accepted Angelia's decision that Viggo is spending the night trying to reverse by talking his father into not taking Angelia's words literally because she is unstable. He knows once she leaves his protection she is dead. So it's all gone wrong. This is sad to see. I told Francesco what I thought of it and he took a note of my objections."

Tristan asked "Father. Why do I get the feeling you have sympathy for this situation. You asked me to respect Francesco Rosario's verdict and you do sound not content about his verdict and even sound like you have objected to him."

O'Neil put his hands behind his neck as he leaned back "Because my son, I did get my good ending unlike Viggo. I was in the same situation as him one day. Francesco knows all about it."

Tristan said "I know that no one wanted you to marry an Italian American."

O'Neil said "It wasn't just her heritage son. It was also about her rivals. Angelia has many rivals namely Reagan O'Reily. So did your mother. She had rivals just like how I had rivals that I had to deal with one by one like costanzo Rosario. I was lucky your mother loved me...."

Tristan asked "Who were my mother's rivals?"

O'Neil said "She had many but the one who could do plenty of damage was your uncle Jackson's sister."

Tristan was taken back "She is your cousin. It's not a tradition in your family for cousins to marry. I find this shocking."

O'Neil said "She is not blood related to me. Joanna was adopted when she was two years old. Her family were wealthy Irish Americans related to the O'Reilys actually. They just happened to be doing business with Jackson's father at the time alongside forming alliances with other Irish families strong in the business. They all died in a plane crash. I know it's hard to imagine but the tragedy struck hard. Maybe it was deliberate. Who knows? Either way, Joanna stayed alive because she fell ill and was with her nanny at home while others got on a private plane to go have fun. It was a big tragedy. Jackson's father adopted her afterwards and loved her no less than a daughter of his. So its possible for cousins to get together. I couldn't give the excuse that she is like a sister to me because Jackson senior pointed out that she is not blood. It's a long story son but let's say I had my fair share of suffering before I could marry your mother. I wanted to marry her when I turned eighteen but couldn't. I had to marry her in college. Your uncle Jackson has ever since been busy punishing me in every way he can. He is surprised I have lasted this long and he is smart enough to know if I am a resilient one, I have taught it to you how to be resilient too..."

Tristan shook his head "I can't believe this. I think I need time to grasp this... Does Joanna still have feelings for you?"

O'Neil said "Perhaps. I am not interested in discussing her. She is not significant at present. What I am trying to say to you is that I know what Viggo feels. I told you it's all historical reasons why the O'Kanes don't like me much. I turned down Jackson's sister repeatedly and that's why it has created a lot of distance between our families. Jonas O'Kane is not by blood an O'Kane but loved like an O'Kane, however Jackson's people accept you as their own only, after all my mother is an O'Kane. So you are the one who brought our families close again. You are significant. Now tell me son, are you going to take my advice or going to care for a pointless revenge?"

Tristan objected "I don't think it's pointless. There was an attempt on Angelia's life that could cost Vienna her life..."

O'Neil said "But it didn't. Now if you go after Angelia aggressively, it would cost you an alliance with Francesco that I have worked for years to retain and strengthen."

Tristan said "Vienna could die Father...."

O'Neil said "You wanted advice. I gave it to you. You either trust Francesco Rosario or you don't. Which is it Tristan. I am either your father or I am not. It's your decision. Don't let revenge take over your soul. You may enjoy it too much then you will push your loved ones away. How do you think Jackson lost Anna Rosario's love. He indulged too much in revenge and now he is trying to force his principles on you too as his successor. You must do what will benefit your family Tristan and not just commit to an act because it makes your uncle content and proud. Do what makes your family safe. Revenge is not always the answer Tristan. Neither is compromise. Neither is war... Remember that. But love is always the answer. Follow your heart when you look for answers. It will lead you where you want to be and where you should be in life."