35. The Irish King (Part 5)

Jackson was watching his nephew silently entering the mansion. Jackson took a sip from his drink as he narrowed his eyes looking through the windows at his heir coming back from a long meeting with Terence O'Neil, the traitor he couldn't harm because he was simply family and also because his sister cared for. He watched his heir's facial expression and body language trying to interpret his intentions. He wanted Tristan to be mentored in his image. He wanted him to ignore his father's advice. Without a doubt Tristan was a more loyal heir to his Irish American family compared to Terrence who was nothing but a traitor. Tristan was fair while his father wasn't.

Tristan entered his uncle's office and found him drinking as he was leaning to the fire place that was burning red just like how his uncle was mostly burning from rage on the inside even though he didn't show it that much. His uncle didn't look pleased. He never looked pleased after whenever Tristan contacted his father or when his father was in touch with his uncle. Now that Tristan knew his father had rejected Jackson's adopted sister Joanna he found it easier to grasp why his uncle didn't get along with his father.

Tristan said "Good evening uncle." He then walked to the desk where his mail and telegrams were normally placed. He checked the desk and picked up an envelope.

Jackson looked at his heir as he shook the glass of Irish cream whiskey filled with ice soundly. "Do you have any updates on what happened tonight?"

Tristan opened the envelope in his hand and started reading. He then paused and looked up "Nothing you haven't heard already uncle."

Jackson asked "What do you know about what I have heard?"

Tristan put down the letter and walked to his uncle. He sat down next to the fire place on a sofa facing his uncle. He started undoing his tie "Uncle. We did the investigation. There is no more information than what was shared with you in prior..."

Jackson's expression hardened as he finished the sentence "In prior your meeting with your father... I know. Tristan answer the question. How do you know what I know? Did your father have any news?"

Tristan loosened his tie slowly and looked up at his uncle " My father's sources are no better than yours uncle. What makes you think he has any news? My father had no news. He only had advice for me which I cherish. Most of what he disclosed to me was not to do with any new information." He put his hands behind his head looking at his uncle with questioning eyes "Uncle. My father told me about the past."

Jackson took a step towards Tristan and stood next to the sofa as he put his hand on his shoulder. He then ran his hand in Tristan's hair "What did he say about me Tristan? Anything you wish to know I will tell you."

Tristan sighed and looked at his uncle who changed his stance and sat on the arm of the sofa. He looked into Tristan's eyes as he was drinking his whiskey while stroking his hair. It was almost fatherly but business like too.

Tristan said " Uncle. He did not disclose much about you. That's why I take you on your offer and ask you about your past. You don't have to answer but it's important for me to know this." He then rested his hands on his stomach as he leaned back looking up at his uncle watching his actions.

Jackson nodded "Go on Tristan."

Tristan hesitated but then spoke "I need to know this. This will help me to know this. What did you do to lose Anna Rosario." Tristan knew this was not going to go down well. He wasn't disappointed as he saw the dangerous glare in his uncle's eyes. His uncle was a mysterious being. He was calm and gentle when you looked at him first. But he was capable of so much he couldn't even imagine. He was wary of his uncle Jackson. He had not taken over from his father just because he was his son. He was respected and had earned his place by the way he carried himself. He was a man of action rather than words. So Tristan never knew how much he pushed it with him because only his actions showed his displeasure. When he got angry he did erupt in action making life difficult for Tristan making sure he knew his mentor was displeased but didn't normally show displeasure with words. Not often. Tristan waited.

Jackson grabbed Tristan's collar of his shirt and then leaned close to his ear whispering "What has your father told you?"

Tristan put his hands up "Nothing. That is why I am asking you."

Jackson pulled away slightly looking into Tristan's eyes. If he looked at anyone else they would have most likely ran away by now or even wet themselves. He had seen it happen. His uncle was looking at him with deadly eyes.

Jackson spoke in a low tone that was hardly a whisper " I will tell you but it can cost you Tristan... You will go to the window. I will cover your eyes and you will give you a bow an arrow. I will tell you to shoot a target. You will shoot it. If you are successful I will tell you. If you are not, then you will have do something for me. Do you take the trade? Your father may have heard the versions of the truth but the real truth is with Anna and I. I know Anna hasn't told anyone because there are consequences if she does. Take it or leave it my heir."

Tristan knew his uncle was trying to dare him to say yes. There must have been something his uncle wanted him so badly to do for him. He asked "I wish to know what you will ask me to do in return."

Jackson said "I can't say. That is part of the challenge. How badly do you need to know?"

Tristan never said no to a challenge but he was contemplating it. His father warned him not to take on Jackson yet. His father said he wasn't ready to do so. He asked "Can you tell me if the target will be moving or stationary?"

Jackson said "No."

Tristan sighed. His uncle could win. Was this worth it. He looked at his uncle thoughtfully.

Jackson gave him a smile as he was looking at Tristan with hardened eyes "Tristan. Take this as a warning. Don't try to get too close to my secrets before I willingly reveal them because I fight hard to protect my secrets just like you Tristan."

Tristan took a deep breath and as he was about to speak the phone rang in the office.

Jackson stood up and spoke as he walked to the phone "Time is up Tristan. Even an offer like this expires quick. Better luck next time to do a trade on information." He then picked up the phone from his desk. He listened and nodded "He is here." He then turned to Tristan "It's for you."

Tristan stood up and walked to the phone as his gaze was on his uncle. He took the phone from his hand.

He heard Viggo's voice "Hello Tristan."

Tristan sighed "What is it Viggo. It's quite late at night that you have called. Is Vienna alright?"

Viggo said "She is fine. I have a proposal for you."

Tristan said "I am listening."

Viggo said " I am ready for an alliance with any Irish family you choose if you give my woman immunity. I know you want her blood but you know I won't let it happen. I will match any demands you may have. It won't be easy to convince my father to sign the papers but I will put my life on the line for Angelia. She has given up on me but I haven't given up on her... She has broken up with me and wants that as punishment to lose me. I don't wish for this... You want her punished but she is punishing herself..."

Tristan sighed "Viggo. Wait. About that. Firstly, I would like to ... say that I am not proud of everything I said today." He turned around and leaned to the desk as he looked into his uncle's eyes. He remembered his father's words to him before he got off the car " You will turn into Jackson very shortly if you don't follow your heart. You will be a powerful gang leader but will be giving up your love life when you hurt your woman in situations that matters. You will be Jackson, lonely and loveless living with your sweet success but with no love. Choose love son. Always. That's what I did. I never look back. Neither will you, once you choose love."

Tristan took a deep breath as he took in the icy cold eyes of his uncle who was drinking whiskey watching him like a hawk. He spoke sternly " I don't apologise for defending Vienna. I don't take back anything I said because all I said was out of my love for her. I don't play with her life out of respect for anyone. But ... I like you to know ... I was too harsh to you and Angelia. I would like to discuss this after she recovers Viggo. I need her out of bed." He knew his next words was going to anger his uncle "I don't think you need to offer me anything Viggo. If you would like to offer an alliance, it's not me you need to speak to. Angelia is an Andovini. They have wronged many families. Someone will always be after her until she is a Rosario.You being her boyfriend keeps her alive but you must always protect her until her name is no longer an Andovini. You do know that right? So if you offer an alliance to the irish families who have been keen to negotiate alliances, it will help. Then you can put it as a condition,. If any attempt on her life is made, then you will break these alliances. So they have to offer protection to Angelia alongside you. I owe you and your father an apology. I shouldn't have acted the way I did. I take back my threats..."

Viggo was shocked and sounded surprised. He took a deep breath "You take back your threats? You do? Tristan. I would have done the same in your situation."

Tristan ignored his uncle's death stare and continued " I do blame her but she doesn't need to face any consequences when she is a victim herself. I didn't know all the facts when I made my judgement. No threat will come from me. I owe you and your father an apology."

Viggo said " I don't think you need to apologise. My father said my mother was unfair on you insulting you like that so our family owes you an apology too... But know this about this situation in relation to Angelia... You just need to reconsider this picture. There is more than what you know and I want you to give Angelia a chance ... to live...."

Tristan nodded " I respect your father's judgement on this matter so I wish to have closure of this matter in a meeting when she has recovered. We both know it is not over and its only the beginning even now that I wish to no longer go after Angelia's blood. There has to be a full protection program for Vienna. The security will be tighter and we will discuss this later. If my demands are not met on security I am willing to take the severity of the situation higher up and challenge your father openly. But I try to avoid that with dialogue. Nothing matters to me but Vienna's safety. Back to the point I wanted to tell you. I was going to call you tonight but you beat me to it... We know that Angelia didn't cause the crash to happen but she recruited the driver who was a spy. The spy wanted to take her to Angelia's cousin who is the one with the biggest responsibility here for planning this mission. My father told me that Angelia's cousin has ended up in custody of the O'Reily family."

Viggo said "Wait. What?"

Tristan said "You are welcome for the information. Take this as my apology offering. Get there before they kill him. Good night. You have so much to do tonight." He then hung up the phone.

Tristan watched his uncle Jackson walk towards him "Tristan. You do know you lost an opportunity to corner Francesco. Don't you?"

Tristan nodded "I know that uncle. Vienna is my queen and has royalty status amongst allies of the rosarios. An attack on her is an attack on all families who respect me and Francesco Rosario... It's best to leave it like this for the rosarios to calm the families and invite them to peace."

Jackson put his hands on his hips facing Tristan "You missed a big chance. Why? Explain yourself."

Tristan said " I think Vienna would not marry me if I kill Angelia. I know she won't. She didn't die as I was reminded repeatedly and she is not hurt. I need to focus my energy on protecting Vienna from further near death crashes. I would rather forget Angelia. She is doomed already for the name she carries. I would like to dedicate time to my woman and protecting her rather than avenging her when there is no immediate need."

Jackson said "You sound like your father."

Tristan said "I am his son."

Jackson gave him an unreadable glare as he smiled while his eyes was narrowed at Tristan " I know. You are his son but you are my heir. I will teach you not to follow his path when you have a better alternative that is my way, the O'Kane way. There is still time." He then took a few steps away and walked away "Good night Tristan. I will teach you a better way than your father's way. You will learn not to miss opportunities that's created for you. You will learn." He then closed the door leaving Tristan standing in the room. His mentor was pushy. But he was not wavering. He was ready for the trials his uncle was putting him through.

Tristan looked back at the phone. He knew this was only the beginning. Someone had to tell Vincenzo about what had happened. He knew his family were not going to tell him until he reached American soil. Francesco Rosario had said he was going to break the news when he came back to New York. Tristan preferred it if he had the choice of when to meet with him. He picked up the phone and dialled the number he knew by heart. He spoke Italian fluently to the Sicilian camp. It was hard to locate him but when he wanted to speak to Vincenzo he did so.

He left a message since he was out. The message was "Get yourself to New York now. Dont ask questions until you get here."  He then put down the phone. He dealt with the twin brother and now he had to face the big brother. Vincenzo was going to go mental. No one hurt his little sister and lived. Maybe the hint he had given Viggo was out of sympathy and not just apology. Vienna had never been put in danger before like this. Big brother was going to go on a clean sweep of New York to cleanse the place of threats. That was how he followed protocols. He knew Vincenzo well to know how he was going to react. How he dealt with matters was extensive. He didnt deal with individuals like how Tristan did. He wanted front row seats of course to watch Vincenzo on his quest but didnt expect it after how he had threatened the Rosarios. Actions had consequences. He had no regrets.

The night was long. Tristan managed to get some sleep. But as soon as he woke up he decided to go to the Rosarios for breakfast. It was his instinct to see Vienna. He had to. When he arrived at the Rosario mansion there was no resistance. He was allowed in. He was relieved her father let him see her still. His father had made it clear Francesco didnt issue warnings if he was unhappy. He was just going to strike. He found out that Francesco and Viggo were not home.

When he entered the building he saw Adele Rosario on the stairs watching him. He nodded politely at her "Mrs Rosario. I am here to see Vienna if this is ok with you."

Adele crossed her arms over her chest and didnt reply. She looked away as she walked away silently. She then whispered "My husband asked me not to stop you from seeing our daughter. He is gone as you see for business. Go see her. I cant stop you."

Tristan sighed and blocked her path "Mrs Rosario. I thank you for your honesty. I just would like to say... I never have given you a reason to have to stop me from seeing your daughter. Dont you agree Mrs Rosario?"

Adele clutched the railings with her hands not liking his tone. He was standing far away from him but his presence intimidating her. His eyes reprimanded her giving her a warning silently. She swallowed hard. This monster was after her daughter and even when he spoke politely the message was loud and clear. He was daring her to speak. He was ready for her. He was daring her to try and stop him. She couldn't. that was a fact. Vienna loved him. She was a Rosario. She had choices as Francesco had intended. She wasn't allowed to over rule her daughter if the choice was no threat to her well being.

Adele said "I dont wish to discuss this matter with you Tristan. You may go see my daughter."

Tristan walked up the stairs and approached Adele "I maybe a cold blooded heartless monster as you call me but I have never given you any reason to stop me from seeing Vienna. I have never hurt Vienna and never will."

Adele said " Of course. If it was otherwise my husband would have banned you from our home. Your intentions are pure towards my daughter. I dont deny that." But off course she had a problem with who he was and what life he was going to condemn her daughter to.

She watched him give her a victorious smile as he reached her. His height was as tall as his father. He was like his father. He could have the angelic face or the menacing presence any time. He could switch it off and on. She looked up as he smiled at her warmly.

Tristan said "Thank you Mrs Rosario... for your compliment. I will tell Vienna you said that. But trust me Mrs Rosario. If it was otherwise your husband would not have banned me. He would have killed me." He then nodded politely and walked away " I will not be long Mrs Rosario."

Adele whispered "I dont think my husband could kill a monster like you."

Tristan chuckled darkly.

Adele became wary as she found out that he had heard her.

Tristan couldn't believe the irony. If only she knew who her eldest son was. His parents called Vincenzo a beast and Adele called him a monster. This was so ironic.

Tristan wanted to ignore her but turned around "Mrs Rosario... I thank you for all your compliments. But I dont think I deserve this last one. No one is immune to your husband." He then carried on walking. He didnt expect an apology from her for insulting her in front of his men. What did it matter? Only Vienna mattered. He had threatened the Rosarios so it was even.

He knocked gently on the door to Vienna's room. She called "Come in" He was happy to comply. As he entered he saw her look shocked. She didnt expect him there. There was a tray of food next to her on the side table and she was seated on the bed leaning to the head rest while she was reading a book. It looked like a biology book. "Tristan...."

Tristan smiled and walked in "Hello beautiful. Did you miss me?" He then walked to her and gave her a bag in his hand "This went past your fathers security three times at the door. Its just some chocolates I know you like."

Vienna bit her lip "I am sorry..." She then took the bag.

Tristan sat on the bed and watched her take the chocolates out of the bag.

She said "I like hand made chocolates... They taste so nice. Thank you. Have some."

Tristan said "No thank you... I like the taste of lips more."

Vienna blushed and put a chocolate into her mouth loving how it melted. She said "I like how they melt."

Tristan said "Oh. I love it too how you melt my heart..."

Vienna said "Tristan ... Why are you so nice? Why aren't you angry with me? No one is. I was responsible yesterday. Why is everyone blaming Angelia when it was my fault too little bit for running off. Aren't you mad?"

Tristan's facial expression changed. He stated " We are all mad at you Vienna. But ... you nearly died. Running off is not meant to be a death sentence. There was a spy behind the wheel who drove dangerously. If this was a normal situation, you could be stopped at the gates in the car after the guy ran off with no guards. But this was a unique situation. Vienna... Everyone must protect you because you are a Rosario woman."

Vienna looked down " I know." She then felt his warm hand taking her hand in his. He picked her hand up.

He kissed her hand and whispered "I love you so much. Do you have any idea what I am willing to do for you Vienna. Just know if you do anything like what you did last night, you will not see the outcomes. I actually dont think you will like the outcomes now when your big brother arrives."

Vienna looked up and gasped "What? Vincenzo... Is he here?"

Tristan said "Not yet. But he will be."

Vienna gulped "Please. You have to stop him from doing anything because of me."

Tristan said "I cant. I dont even know what he is going to do. Your big brother is unpredictable. You are a Rosario Vienna. After I marry you, you will be an O'Neil Vienna. Once you become my queen, it will be different. But for now, your family are your protectors and not just me. Look at the bright side... At least your mother warmed up to me. She said some nice things about me..."

Vienna asked "She did?"

Tristan said "Yes. She did. Well I compromised with your brother last night. I apologised for my threats and dropped the charges. Now your brother and your father are sorting another mess. But from my side its peace. we will clear the air once you recover...." Tristan didnt expect Vienna to become this happy. He saw the truth in his fathers words after seeing Vienna's reaction. She jumped and knelt on the bed next to his seated form as she embraced him. She kissed him. She pulled away slightly and said "I love you."

Tristan said "Really?" He then kissed her lips. "Tell me who you belong to?"

Vienna broke away as she was becoming breathless "I belong to you Tristan."

Tristan said "Your mother said today that I am a monster that your cant kill. Do you agree with her?"

Vienna's eyes widened as she was embracing Tristan "She did not say that? Did she? Oh dear lord."

Tristan said "I dont mind. I have you in my arms and you belong to me. As long as she doesn't turn you against me, I dont have a problem."

Vienna took a deep breath "What do you mean? I will never turn against you."

Tristan said "Thats why I dont mind your mother."

Vienna asked "Really? You must be mad at her..."

Tristan said "No. I dont mind the obstacles. It makes holding you rewarding. I could kill your aunt Elise you know. I know she is protected in Sicily. I had the chance to have her killed while she was being transported. Your mother doesn't know my loyalty to your family. I let some matters slip and yet she calls me a monster. I dont know what she would call me if I actually did let myself go."

Vienna said "But will you let your self control go?"

Tristan said "If you break up with me yes. I will. Without you I will be like my uncle Jackson. I will be having no boundaries and no love. You make me have boundaries Vienna. You make me the man I am now. Without you I wont be who I am. Then your mother would see the real monster if I lose you."

Vienna promised "You will never lose me Tristan. I love you. I belong to you."

Tristan said "Say it again. Say it louder."

Vienna shouted as she chuckled "I belong to you Tristan."

Tristan said " You belong to me and anyone who says otherwise would be met with disappointment because I am not giving you up."

Vienna said "I dont think you ever make me forget it Tristan. I have written enough lines about it."