41. Power

Tristan was replaying Viggo's words in his mind as he was standing on the roof. He let him go even though he shouldn't have. He wanted the information he was withholding but he knew if Viggo wanted to disclose it he would have. There was only one way now for him. To figure it out for himself. But how?

He made his way down. He went to the floor where Vienna was meant to be. He watched her having tea with his mother and Adele Rosario through the glass windows of the room. There were other tables too but where his mother sat was secluded. His mother was a rebel. She had taken the guests to the massive balcony for tea in the cold. But of course there was fire. He shook his head. If Vienna caught a cold he wasn't going to let her come to see his mother for a while. His mother liked to have people at her mercy. Taking her out in the cold was making a statement that this was her house and her rules. Anything Adele Rosario did was conventional but what his mother did wasn't so. He glanced and saw the tray of cupcakes covered up with his name on it. Vienna had managed to bake while she was there. She had left message to him to eat them while they were warm. That was the survival skill and hope for life that boiled in her veins from her father's side. Even though she had almost died the day before she was a survivor. He walked to the cup cakes. He had every intention of eating every single blueberry and cherry cup cake she had made. He knew it was her work because her mother never  made cupcakes different  and his mother, Well, she didn't make cup cakes. He needed a space to think and where was better than where he was standing? His mind was elsewhere but the sight of Vienna and the taste of her craft was all he needed before he was going to plan to face the avalanche that was chasing him in life.

Sancia glanced and smiled faintly at her son across the glass and then glanced at Vienna "Darling, it seems like my son likes to check on you. He doesn't stop watching you."

Vienna turned to the direction that her auntie Sancia was nodding at and gasped "I didn't think he will come to the ladies room." She then stood up "Excuse me. I go check on him."

As she left, Sancia looked at Adele "I am glad your daughter goes and check on my son. It shows some kind of dedication. She is quite like you."

Adele did not like to be told how much her daughter returned Tristan's affections. She said "She is only in high school. She will go to college and work later on. Then she might meet someone like how I did..."

Sancia gave her a smile "How did that work out for you?"

Adele knew no one else would have dared bring up her love life. Sancia feared Francesco but she knew O'Neil was her insurance. So she said as she pleased. She crossed her arms over her chest "Well... It didn't work out because Francesco came back. If my husband was not going to come back for me when he did I would have married Michael. I loved Francesco but in ten years I didn't even have a phone call from him..."

Sancia said "So do you think it is a good idea to dream on that Vienna will meet someone when you know his kind come back even after a decade to claim their women? Tristan will show his dominance on anyone. Do you still doubt that? I am surprised at you Adele. You are a physician but you are a dreamer. You actually think your daughter will fall out of love with my son and my son will just step aside and allow another man to take his place. You are more intelligent than this to believe such impossible unlikely occurrence. Haven't you accepted them as a couple? I am quite sure you can pass on your doubts to him and he would be more than happy to prove he is the right man..."

Adele put her hand up which made Sancia's smile wider. It was as though she was surrendering. Adele said in a low tone "I do not need him to prove anything. That must be a misunderstanding."

Sancia nodded "Sure. If in doubt ask him to prove to you he is honourable. He has so much honour that if another man makes your daughter fall in love, he would happily challenge him. He says it himself. If anyone wants Vienna they have to kill him first or be killed by him..."

Adele said "He said he won't force my daughter...."

Sancia said "He won't. If she wishes to break off their relationship he will watch over her and wait. But anyone coming at your daughter will be dealt with..."

Adele said "Like how my daughter nearly died in an accident? Where was Tristan's protection?"

Sancia said "Ask your son, Viggo. He couldn't control his woman. You can't blame my son for instances when he is not permitted to be in charge of Vienna's security..."

Adele found the chance to win the argument and she wasn't going to let go. "What's stopping him? I want my daughter protected by any means... Where is the O'Kane protection?"

Of course if you want my son to prove he can keep your daughter safe then you need to wait until they are married. So you are saying you like them to get married soon. Right? I will pass it on..."

Adele's eyes widened "No. I did not say..."

Sancia said "Oh. Don't worry. I won't tell Francesco you like your daughter to be quickly married to Tristan. If protection you want it is protection you get. I am sure my son will respect your view point. He will pop the question early in college to put your mind at ease. If it is an O'Kane full protection you want they must be married."

Adele couldn't believe where the conversation had reached. She shook her head "Sancia. I want my daughter not to marry too soon. This is all wrong. They shouldn't be thinking of marriage and leading businesses."

Sancia said "I agree. They shouldn't be. They should be having fun with their mind at ease like how my life was heaven when I was their age... It was all fun and games back in the 1950s and beginning of the 60s even. But we are in the 80s now. The world has changed. These kids can't trust anyone. They only can rely on each other..."

Adele asked "But what's changed? Why rush them to grow?"

Sancia said "Nothjng much has changed. Our sons are hunted by their enemies like how their fathers were. But why rush them since their father's are alive? You are right. But I am sure you know this already... The FBI's pursuit of our families  is what's changed. Adele it seems that you are either in denial and have selective memory or is it just that Francesco doesn't let you know everything?"

Adele didn't want to discuss it but spoke honestly "Abit of all you said."

Sancia said "You are trying to control your children. It doesn't work. It frustrates you. I can see it in your eyes. You wanted more resistance from Francesco. Well unlike you I don't try to control my children. I let them control their own lives, make their own mistakes so they can learn from it..."

Adele asked "Do you think choosing Vincenzo was a mistake for your daughter?"

Sancia said "I prefer no Edward Blake unlike you. As long as she doesn't trap herself into a situation she can't get out of with Vincenzo I am happy. I trust my husband unlike you Adele and I certainly won't allow kids like Edward Blake near my daughter unlike you. I taught her better than that... Just know in your mind that Vienna could do a lot worse than Tristan. She needs protection, trust and love. She won't find it out there. If it was my choice I would let my children be children ... But this is the real world Adele. They won't survive if you show your motherly love for your gain and not theirs. You want for Vienna to do what makes you happy. You want her to live your dreams. You want her to be you. She is far from who you are. Her survival scores are highest for any girl I have taught. Only my daughter is above her. Don't try to cage her in your ideals..."

Adele argued "I have never done that..."

Sancia said "Just don't try it. You wont want to play with your daughter's life. If anyone tries that, they pay. It's a fact. Vienna is not an ordinary child. She is Francisco's child. No one wants to interfere with her life. I don't think Francesco would appreciate it. You are immune to his wrath not trying to poison her mind at such age won't be welcomed by Francesco or my son ..."

Adele defended "I would never try to poison her mind..."

Sancia said "Really? Then in that case you won't have anything to worry about."

Adele went silent as she looked away and stared at her daughter who was sitting on the kitchen watching Tristan eat. She had no defence. She was fighting a losing battle. She whispered "My daughter makes her own choices. I can't interfere in her life...."

Sancia said "Of course. It is thanks to Francesco." She then thought to herself "That's why I saw him worthy after Terrence." The memories were fresh in her mind. Back in the day she did like her chances with him. If Terrence Emanuel didn't exist she would have married Francesco in a heart beat. But she was willing to settle for his brother when Terrence was dying or she was having one of her break ups with him because of family pressure. It did not look good for her. At times the Irish Italian relations were at their worst and also she didn't agree with Terrence on everything. It was a miracle they hadn't been divorced. Living with Terrence was not living with any other man. She wanted a man who could allow her to rule him. Terrence was the opposite.

Sancia watched Adele sip her tea and watch over her daughter as though she could disappear any minute. She recalled how Francesco had been mesmerised by her. Even though she had never met her, she heard of Francesco talk about her all the time to Terrence. He was the perfect loyal man. He didn't look at other women at all. She had tried to hit on him on several occasions and he always rejected her saying she wasn't his type as politely as he could and when she had gone after his brother he had issued her a warning "If you hurt my brother I will kill your entire family... But I will leave you alive because you belong to O'Neil."

She had taken it as a compliment. He actually had thought she could hurt costanzo. That showed how highly he viewed her.

Francesco was very traditional too even if not religious. He believed in abstinence. She never recalled him being close to any woman. Adele was his one and only lady. When Terrence tried to make Sancia jealous with some pretence that he was checking out a girl, Francesco made sure he showed his disapproval. Those were the only instances he took Sancia's side.

Just as she was watching her son and Vienna while thinking back to her memories, her smile vanished once she saw Jackson O'Kane showing up. What did he want? She didn't like him. Her motherly instinct told her to keep her son away but her husband reassured her that Tristan could handle him and this was the only way. It was not convenient to have him at her home but he was family now. She watched as Vienna automatically get off the counter top to leave. She was hoping she stayed. She wanted to see her by her sons side. She was Francesco's daughter. Surely O'Kane did not like to see her face in his path and it must have bothered him. He saw the Irish as worthy. She wanted the O'Leary and O'Reily family glorified. Not the Rosarios. He was no friend of the rosarios or the O'Neils. He just wanted power and had Anna. But he hurt her. He didn't love her. He loved her power and what she could bring into his life. It was most likely the same situation with Vienna. He wanted Vienna's power to be by Tristan and if she didn't exercise it he was going to push the Irish in her sons way. She wasn't disappointed by Vienna. Instead of leaving as O'Kane entered she stood by Tristan's side and faced him as she greeted him.

Vienna held Tristan's hand tightly and looked up at Jackson O'Kane. Just then she found auntie Sancia speak from the entrance of the balcony "Jackson. My husband is not home yet."

Jackson said "I told him to meet me."

Sancia walked closer "Well. You need to come back later. Maybe past midnight."

Tristan said "It can wait Uncle."

Jackson said "Your father knew he had a meeting with me. He chose to ignore it... But of course it can wait..." He then gave him a smile and nodded at him.

Tristan asked "Is there a problem?"

Jackson stated "No. I take my leave."

Something was the matter. Vienna could feel it. The tone towards his uncle was not so respectful. It was threatening. She then watched as Tristan offered to accompany his uncle to the front of the building.

Jackson noticed it too. As they were walking down Jackson asked "Is all well?"

Tristan stated "Uncle. Is there a reason all shouldn't be well?"

Jackson said "No. of course not..." He then looked past Tristan and saw Viggo standing at the bottom of stairs... He gave him a look "Hello Sir."

Jackson greeted Viggo as he walked past him. He put his hand on his shoulder "Give my regards to your father."

Viggo replied "Of course." He then watched him leave and get into his car. Viggo then walked and stood next to Tristan "What's on your mind?"

Tristan replied "My father... I need to see him... He can only give me answers to the questions you put to me."

Viggo said "The avalanche is watching you too closely Tristan. Don't let it follow you too closely or you won't get to become part of it. You need to get the chance to be better than him."

As Tristan was thinking over his words he saw his father's car through the windows. He wasted no time and walked out to greet him.

Emanuelle got off the car and gave out orders for armed men to get ready to move.

Tristan walked to his father "What's happening?"

Emanuelle said "It's not good news. Francesco needs help."

Tristan asked "Father. What's happening. I can help."

Emanuel said "It's not your fight. It's Francesco's and I am there for him if he needs back up."

Tristan asked "What's happened?"

Emanuelle sighed "Young people these days... Vincenzo has managed to pull his father to step foot in a building Francesco never wanted to step foot in..."

Tristan asked "What building?"

Emanuelle replied "His Old House..."

Tristan gasped "What? I thought his old home was burnt down..."

Emanuelle shook his head "His father had many addresses... This particular one is infamous. This is where Francesco's mother once resided. This is where every wall has memories for Francesco. It's Francesco's hell..."

Tristan said "How can I help?"

Emanuelle said "I said you are not needed ... But if you want to help go up there and get me Adele Rosario. She is definitely needed. The wrath of Francesco only can go down if his son surrenders or if his wife stands in his way. I say the former is unlikely and the latter is more likely... I just want Francesco out of there and then when he is standing outside I can breathe. He can roll how he wants... But first I want Francesco out of his father's lair... His power  is limitless and so is his wrath... But so is his father's..."