Alexander opened his eyes as he felt presence of light. He was in bed and found himself surrounded by various men in Black with guns. But there was a familiar face. Stefano, his uncle costanzos son. Costanzo was the younger brother of Francesco Rosario and he hardly ever came to their home. Alexander's father Antonio who was Francesco Rosario's cousin was always doing business and was hardly ever home. So was Stefano's father, Costanzo. Being the head of security for Francesco Rosario was no light task. Antonio had to be working non stop. Now here Alexander was surrounded by armed men with flash lights seemingly searching his room while Stefano who was the son of the advisor and lawyer of the family was staring worriedly at him. Alexander was confused. Normally his father was in charge of security. What had happened.
Stefano said in a sad voice "Alexander. You need to get changed and get out of here. I will explain what has happened later."
Alexander sat up looking around. "What is happening? Can you tell me why they are taking my stuff?"
Stefano sighed "You will get them back. I promise. They need to search your belongings for security purposes. They will return it to you. They will bring it to our house. Let's go. You are coming with me to my house."
Alexander was so confused "Can you give me a hint what's happened?"
Stefano said "Look. We have to go ... If I take too long to go back home, my mother will send search parties out. Get out of bed now. There is time to talk about it later."
Alexander reluctantly got up and got changed. He followed Stefano outside his room and asked again "Come on. Tell me what's going on? Are my parents coming too?"
Stefano didn't reply "Just follow me to the car..."
Alexander looked around him and saw men wearing black around his home searching and grabbing everything they could see. He stopped walking "Stefano. You can't expect me to walk out not knowing what is going on. Are my parents coming too?"
Stefano stopped walking and turned around. He sighed "They are not coming. No. Only you are coming with me. They are already gone ... to see uncle Francesco."
Alexander asked "Why am I not going to uncle Francesco too?"
Stefano said "You can ask that later. Let's go. I want to go to bed and I can't worry my mother. Don't you know her? You can't keep a voltolini mother waiting. I was meant to come here to get you so you don't freak out thinking these people are kidnappers here. I am still sixteen and have a curfew. You are welcome." He was a Rosario but still a teenager. He still had rules to live by. He was a familiar face that his father had chosen to send to get Alexander out of sympathy.
Alexander caught the urgent tone. Something was wrong. He couldn't move "Tell me please. What's happening. We are cousins."
Stefano turned around "Last chance. You come or I restrain you. You don't have a choice. It's not negotiable. Come the easy way or hard way. I am not meant to tell you anything. Just wait for it." He then walked away hoping his cousin followed. Alexander wasn't used to being told what to do. His mother was Georgina Canavaro and his father was Antonio Rosario. His father was the one calling the shots in all high security situations. But of course this situation was not like any other.
Alexander sensed that his cousin wasn't going to tell him any more so he decided to slowly follow. He asked as he followed "Are my parents safe? At least tell me this?"
Stefano walked faster and whispered "To my knowledge yes. They are gone already. They are not in this building any more."
As Alexander stepped outside the house he gasped at seeing being surrounded by cars and men he didn't know. None of men who worked at that house or worked for his father were around. They had emptied the house of people as well as goods. He watched men taking their family's belongings in lorries.
Stefano noticed him stopping again "We have to go. I told you that you will get everything back. It's a security check. You won't need anything in my house tonight. We have everything." He then opened the door to a car.
Alexander got into the car trying to figure out what he had missed. He held his face in his hands as the car was driving away. He was shaking his head. He then looked up at Stefano who was sitting opposite him "When can I come back home? When will it ever go back to normal?"
Stefano said "I don't know. You can ask my father when he gets back home."
Alexander asked "Where is your father at this time of night?"
Stefano replied "With uncle Francesco."
Alexander asked "Where are my parents?"
Stefano said "With my father and uncle Francesco."
Alexander asked "Why am I not going to be with them?" It was hard to get Stefano to tell him anything but slowly he had to find out.
Stefano sighed "Do you really want to know? I wouldn't want to know if I were you."
Alexander said "I do want to know. Tell me please."
Stefano said "No."
Alexander said "Why. It's killing me to know something is the matter and I don't know anything about it."
Stefano turned to the driver "Drive past where my father is so I can tell them Alexander is safe." He then turned to Alexander "Ask my father."
Minutes later they were in front of the Rosario business Park. Alexander could hear the sound of helicopters and it was hard to see what was happening as the streets were full of cars.
Stefano looked at his cousin "I wasn't instructed on telling you anything so I refrained from it but now that you are here I don't see why not. You didn't resist coming. Here is what happened... Uncle Francesco goes inside to get Vincenzo. Then after Vincenzo is out then uncle Francesco gives a signal for attack and that's when men came down with ropes from helicopters onto the roof. They managed to take over quick. No one fights uncle Francesco unless they want to die more painfully. Now the building is under uncle Francesco and everyone in it is now locked up inside in the basements. Now an order came for my father to go there immediately. An order was also given for your parents to be brought here. But you are meant to come with me to our home and stay with us until the situation is over. That's what my father told me. I am sorry." He then noticed his father coming out of the building as the car came into a halt. He walked out of the car leaving Alexander in the silence inside the car.
Alexander felt numb. It didn't sound good. This was bad. Why did his parents had to come to this war zone? He watched his uncle Costanzo embrace his son. He gave him a kiss on the forehead and whispered words to him. He then walked past him to the car as Stefano followed.
Alexander stepped outside the car and stared at his uncle who was approaching him with a sad expression. His eyes only could show despair.
Costanzo opened his arms and embraced him too. He held him tight "Its going to be ok. This is life Alexander. You will get through this." He then pulled away and looked into his eyes "I told my son not to tell you anything. I didn't want it to come from him who doesn't know exactly what's happening. You will have a lot of questions. I can tell you there has been an allegation against your father... He has been accused of ... treason."
Alexander shook his head in disbelief "No. that's impossible. My father is not a traitor. His loyalty is to his family."
Costanzo nodded "I have no doubt. But as you know we have a split family. There is the Don and there is my brother Francesco. Your father has his loyalty more inclined towards the Don for years. My brother did warn him and punished him for it. But now there is an allegation he betrayed my brother and it involves Vincenzo. Your father is not questioned yet. But he will be. Your father will get the chance to defend himself but ...."
Alexander now had tears in his eyes. He wiped them quick "But he is a dead man? Is that what you are saying?"
Costanzo sighed "Son. That's upto my brother to decide. Not me. Your father's life is in my brothers hand just like how your life is. He handed you to my care. You are my responsibility. If you do anything. I am responsible for it."
Alexander asked "Do anything? Like what? All I will do is beg uncle Francesco to not kill my father..."
Costanzo said "I am sorry Alexander. I wish I could deny it... But I see your father as a dead man unless he proves himself to be innocent or my brother judges that he should live.... Asking for forgiveness won't help..."
Alexander said "I know that but I will try. If my father has to die then I will be begging uncle Francesco to ... allow me to do it..." He then broke down and sobbed shaking his head "I am not stupid. I know what treason means. My father will die. I want to be the one to kill him. I don't want him to suffer."
Costanzo remained silent staring back at him.
Stefano stood next to him and wrapped his arm around him as he whispered "Uncle Francesco is not cruel like that to force a son kill his own father..." He then turned to Costanzo "Isn't that true father?"
Alexander shook his head "He has to let me kill him. It's my only request. I don't want my father to suffer."
Costanzo said "If your father has to die, your wish won't be granted... I can promise you that... You are blood. You won't suffer because you are not guilty just by association with your father..."
Alexander's eyes widened "And my mother?..." It hit him now. If his father was a traitor his wife was dead too.
Costanzo said "I am sorry. I can't promise anything about your mother. It all depends on your father's co-operation and my brother's decision. Your mother will suffer if my brother wishes it. She is not my brother's favourite sister in law. I can't deny that and you know that already. I am sorry. Now you must take your leave."
Alexander said "Please can I see uncle Francesco?"
Costanzo shook his head "No. Your father has not been questioned. You can see my brother if he wishes to see you... But I can guarantee you can't see your father or mother. I can't lie to you and give you hope. Just get ready for the worst and prepare yourself. But don't do anything stupid. I told you. I am responsible for you."
Alexander was in a state of shock. But he was well aware of the situation "I know that uncle. My loyalty is to uncle Francesco. I won't do anything to make things worse ... But there has to be a way to save my father."
Costanzo said "There isn't. Vincenzo is involved. No one can mess with my brother's children. Your father has. That's a death sentence. I will keep you informed son. Go with Stefano. You will be safe at my home.... I like to stay. I like to accompany you but I can't. I have to go back. I am very sorry Alexander." He then turned to Stefano. Take care of your cousin." He then walked away feeling saddened. Alexander was too young to deal with this. He was way too young. What was Antonio thinking? Even he didn't dare mess with Francesco's children. He kept his distance most of the time. There was nothing more important to Francesco that his family. They were sacred.
Costanzo went into a room and dialled O'Neil's number. "This is Costanzo. I need to talk to Emanuel please?"
He wished he could help Antonio but he couldn't. "Hi... I am calling from the Rosario Business Park... Francesco asked me to call you... Yes. Francesco is fine.... No my brother is not in any trouble.... Quite the opposite .... He just took over the Rosario business park with his army. All is under control.... Look. There is a situation here. My father is locked up with his men until Francesco works out what Antonio has done. My father named him as a traitor who caused Vincenzo to go against my brother's advice tonight.... Yes Antonio is alive .... I am as shocked as you are... No. Francesco didn't ask me to ask you to come ... Francesco asked me to ask you to accompany Adele and the kids to their home. He said it's perfectly safe... No, he doesn't want to see his wife.... Are you mad? Right now? No he can't see his wife. What good would it do? ... Antonio is a dead man and .... What do you mean it's not about Antonio? He is the traitor ..... Francesco always had his differences with my father.... I don't think Adele needs to get involved. Francesco made it clear this is personal to him and doesn't even want Viggo here.... What? No you can't bring her here... What do you mean Francesco needs her? Francesco deals with traitors like he always does... Well yes, Francesco's heart is broken by the betrayal of family but ... he is used to it.... No. I don't support your decision. I always say Adele can help my brother but I won't dare get her involved. My brother is livid. He may shoot you dead if you bring her here tonight when he has specifically asked you to take her home... You are taking your chances ... Of course ... But a bullet proof vest won't protect you if he runs a sword in you... That's what he will do if you bring Adele here tonight. You say she is not well... That makes it even worse....ONeil. Don't. Just take her home with the kids. Francesco has stationed enough of his army around the house. It's not even penetrable by FBI. It's safe... No. Don't bring them here. This place is a war zone and not a place for family reunion. Francesco wants his kids in bed right now... Where is Vincenzo? Well... It's complicated. My brother told him he must go home but Vincenzo is Vincenzo. He hasn't left. Francesco has left him be ..." Costanzo rolled his eyes at his explanations "Look. If Adele is not well, don't bring her. Wait till morning at least... She is Francesco's wife. If she is sick then she must be taken care of no matter what Francesco asks you to do." He sighed "Yes I fully trust you... Alright then. Good night. See you..." He put down the phone and reluctantly walked out of the room only to come face to face with Vincenzo.
Vincenzo said "Is my father going to see me?"
Costanzo said "Your father said you are going home. Your father doesn't want you involved. It's all about you..."
Vincenzo said "I need to talk to him but I respect his wishes if he doesn't want to see me. I will wait here until he does."
Costanzo said "He asked you to make your way home. Just listen to your father. It's not your fight Vincenzo and neither it's mine. It's your father's. Respect his wish and stay away..."
Vincenzo stated "I want him to hear my side of the matter."
Costanzo said "He will. I assure you. Just wait for him to make his own questioning. Then he will release your Sicilian army to take with you where you wish. He won't harm them if they are innocent. But you have to wait for your turn Vincenzo. If your father wants to speak to you he will ask for it."
Vincenzo said "I will be out there."
Costanzo said "You can do anything you like. But you give your father space. It's not your fight Vincenzo. He hasn't pushed you out. He needs to judge this situation himself. I assure you that you will be summoned. So just be good. Go home. Go to bed. Then your father will see you in the morning." He then side stepped him knowing Vincenzo was not going to sleep until he saw his father.
Costanzo made his way to the room where Francesco was. Costanzo was familiar with everywhere in the building that the army there struggled with navigating in. The building was designed by their father. It was a complex design full of twists and turns. He would have called it a fun home if there weren't too many bad memories attached to the times he recalled living there.
He stood outside the door and knocked "It's me." Francesco never liked surprises. Not that anyone else dared disturb him. Even his own son had chosen to stay away until summoned. Francesco had respect even without asking for it. His presence demanded it. His unspoken orders were as loud.
Costanzo watched his brother drink vodka in the same spot he had left him before he saw his son's car pull in the car park.
Costanzo walked to his brother and stood silently a step behind Francesco who was looking outside the window. He was looking right at his son. Vincenzo was impatiently walking back and forth at the front waiting.
Francesco took a sip of his vodka and said "Teenagers... They are troublesome..." He turned to look at his brother "What did Alexander say?"
Costanzo had been watching him talk to his son and Alexander so he went straight to the point. He whispered "He asked if he could request to ask you to not kill his father and if not granted, he asked if he could be the one to kill Antonio so he doesn't suffer."
Francesco laughed bitterly and looked away at his son again "Of course. A son must become wiser than his own father. Can you say the same about my son? Is he wiser than me compared to when I was his age? That's part of my problem. My son has wisdom. Too much of it, too soon which is detrimental."
Costanzo whispered "He is smart."
Francesco shook his head " I wish he was more like me and ... less like our father. He is like our father. Every thing about him resembles our father..."
Costanzo said "He is like you... His heart is like yours..."
Francesco said "His actions are like our father. I will get to the end of this. It has to be addressed. Why is my son acting like my father and making decisions like how he would? ... It's bizarre."
Costanzo said "But... He thinks like you too."
Francesco argued "Not tonight. He didn't. He acted like how our father would. He shouldn't have. I let the Don take him but I trusted that my teachings were enough for him to lead his life and not let our father get inside his head. Where did our father come from? Why is Vincenzo so loyal to him? Why? I don't get how in such short space of time Vincenzo can trust him more than he trusts me..."
Costanzo said "But he doesn't."
Francesco said "Tonight he did. He has been loyal to me and he admitted it. He wanted to confess to me of his sins but I didn't want to hear it. Children don't commit sins. They make mistakes and they learn from it. To me Vincenzo is still a kid. He hasn't even lived. I am trying to make sense of what has happened."
Costanzo said "It's a one off. It's just one mistake."
Francesco said "It's more than that. I can see it's more than that. Vincenzo stopped me from killing our father once. He cared if he lived."
Costanzo said "Grandkids love their grandparents."
Francesco said "That's What I told myself. But it makes no sense."
Costanzo found the silence that followed difficult. Francesco was thinking hard. His tone then turned darker "I am running out of reasons to keep our father alive and the same goes with Antonio. I don't expect any less from our father. By manipulation of my son, he wants to claim victory. For what trophy? He must have used Antonio. I always saw Antonio as one loyal to the Don. He had the choice to stay in Sicily. He didn't take it. I knew he was loyal to his father but I didn't think he would dare work for my father. That's my mistake. I didn't foresee the traitor."
Costanzo couldn't believe how Francesco was now blaming himself. It wasn't his fault "You are the best father I know ...."
Francesco replied "That's no compliment. You only knew one father, a terrible one."
Costanzo replied " So did you. But you became better. Vincenzo loves you. He respects you. He does not fear you. He does not hate you."
Costanzo appreciated how it was easier to talk to Francesco more openly about their family when he wasn't in business mode. Years ago this was not possible. Adele had changed Francesco and had broken the ice. After Francesco's children were born, Costanzo had found it easier to talk to Francesco without worrying about the consequences. They had become closer as brothers while their father was totally blanked out.
Francesco whispered "This room belonged to her... I remember it was like yesterday. The worst memories I have are from this house. At the same time I have the most memories from our mother from this cursed place."
Costanzo felt pain on the inside. It wasn't easy recalling the past. Just as Francesco said the words he watched as cars pulled in the car park. Irish cars. O'Neil cars.
Francesco asked "Didn't you call O'Neil?"
Costanzo said "I did."
Francesco asked "Why is he here ... with my wife?" He then cursed under his breath "God Damn you O'Neil. You brought your entire family and mine to this god forsaken place for what?." He then without a word left assuming going for confronting O'Neil.
Costanzo decided to check on Antonio opened the door to a room attached to where they were. Antonio was restrained to a chair in the middle of the room. There were lights on shining brightly all over the room. Francesco wanted to give him the sleep deprivation torture. Most likely he wasn't going to sleep for days until he said all.
Costanzo stood at the door and asked "Has Francesco said a word to you since I brought you here. Did he talk to you? Did he even come in here?"
Antonio said "He said ... hello traitor."