Vincenzo was walking around the warehouse that belonged to his grandfather. He was inspecting the packages that had just come from the sea via a huge carrier ship. He was looking around the warehouse while waiting around for his grandfather to finish his meeting with his business partner in a meeting room in one of the secret passages of the warehouse.
Vincenzo was aware that his father was going to be quite cross if he caught him with his grandfather but he still met up with him when he was asked even though he didn't have to. When Vincenzo looked back at his actions he had no regrets. None at all. When he was a child, he had no choice in the matter when his grandfather met up with him. Right now he did have a choice but he didn't take the escape route.
Vincezno was fascinated by his grandfather who his father hated more than anyone and there were many reasons to remain in contact with him. Vincenzo felt a void in his life with lack of his grandfather and he had to fill it because he had the chance to do so. He wanted to learn from him and also to see his cards in the open. But life was never perfect.
There was a family feud but Vincenzo was curious about his grandfather and wanted to learn from him. That was what he lived for. He wanted to learn. Being educated about every aspect of life was the secret to survival. He didn't agree with his grandfather that much but he respected his intelligence. His grandfather was a deadly phantom of the criminal underworld of Italy. Under the mask of retirement and leaving all to his sons, his grandfather had been keeping himself busy in Sicily. He had been active making links and expanding the Rosario empire in Italy. So Vincenzo felt the need to get close to this man to read his plans and see his cards in the open. What if they involved his siblings or parents? He had to know if his grandfather who was so complicated to read had any plans for his family. Nothing surprised him at that point.
Vincenzo smiled as he saw big boxes of jasmin plants in the corner on a long counter and walked towards them. He leaned close and smelled the flowers closing his eyes. The jasmin's call was hard to resist. The Jasmin reminded him of his Terza. These plants were her favourite part of Italy. She didnt stop talking about how the scent of the Jasmine's filled the streets in Italy. What his Terza loved, he loved too. He stood up and asked "Who do these flowers belong to?"
One of the men standing around bowed politely and replied "Sir, these flowers were used as a distraction. They were placed on the packagaes to deter inspectors who we bribed. If they saw it all looked well, they did pass by without arguements. We are disposing of the flowers."
Vincenzo sighed. These people didn't know the value of Jasmin flowers. They lived in Italy where the streets were packed with heavenly scent of them. Why did they care for a few disposed of. He stated "I want them sent to the Rosario floral shop in Manhattan, today. They must be reserved for me."
The man bowed politely "Yes sir."
Vincenzo leaned over and inhaled the scent one last time and walked away to inspect other packages. He was intersted in knowing what his grandfather was dealing in secret. But he didnt expect the man to have Jasmins. Vincenzo recalled years back his memories of Terza in Italy. She had been walking around the woods around one of the summer Agostini mansions near Milan in a small town of Lecco with other girls picking cherries. Vincenzo recalled watching his Terza with jasmines in her hair. She was breath taking with jasmines in her golden hair and a jasmine necklace she had made around her neck matching her white dress.
The boys were playing games blocking paths of the girls asking for password or payment of the cherries. When she had approached him, the scent of jasmines were what he recalled best. Terza was happy to be given the choice of keeping the flowers or the cherries. But of course, Vincenzo had stopped her as she was handing over the cherries to keep the jasmins. Vincenzo had stated "Answer a question instead..."
Terza had raised an eyebrow "What kind of question?"
Vincenzo had asked her "Why do you like to carry jasmines? Whats so special about them?"
Terza had retorted "Why do you ask? Does it bother you? I like Jasmines and its not easy to explain why.... We girls, love beauty and you boys love guns and violence.... Would you like to try some in your hair?" She then took a flower out of her hair and offered it to Vincenzo.
The boys had made wolf sounds when she had said that. Suggesting something that to the boys sounded girly to the most masculine guy in their circle seemed outrageous. Besides they knew Vincenzo hated the hippie movement and offering him a flower could be a big insult. They had expected Vincenzo to rip her jasmine's to pieces or worse for suggesting that. But he had calmly replied "No, thank you Terza. I would rather look and not touch." He indeed didnt want to take anything away from her. He preferred for her beauty to be untouched.
Even Terza seemed to have expected a rude come back from him and had been surprised. The boys were surely disappointed that they didnt get a show from Vincenzo so they had scattered around. Always it was entertaining to them when Vincenzo gave come backs to girls and made them cry. Terza was off limits but still they hoped to see a show.
Terza still liked to poke the wolf. She had taken a step towards him and had placed the flower carefully on his shirt using a zipper of a pocket on his tank top as a means to keep it upright. "Here. It looks good on you..."
Vincenzo had smiled as Terza had walked away not awaiting his response. He still kept that Jasmine to this day. He had placed it inside a book, Terza's favourite book, the Betrothed by Alessando Manzoni. The book's setting was based on that region so it seemed fitting to keep the flower inside it to remember the day Terza acknowledged him in some ways to give him a gift that she didnt have to give. It wasnt his birthday and it wasnt christmas so he marked it as the day, Terza gave him a gift on her own accord.
Vincenzo was brought out of his thoughts as he heard his grandfather " Vincenzo...."
Vincenzo turned and watched his grandfather coming down the wooden stairs of the warehouse. He was hoping this was the last stop. He needed to see Terza at her home soon. He walked towards his grandfather and stood at the bottom of the stairs looking up "Is the mission accomplished for tonight grandpa?"
His grandfather shook his head as he reached the bottom of the stairs. He lifted his hand up and ran his hands on Vincenzo's hair " There is more work to be done. It's never ending Vincenzo." He then walked away.
Vincenzo followed his grandpa silently. He wasn't complaining. He was just an observer. He hadn't been asked to do anything yet. If there was going to be conflict of interest then he was going to object.
As Vincenzo followed his grandfather surrounded by his guards to the next destination through the secret corridors under the ground. As he was walking, he thought of the past and present. Ever since his childhood, his grandfather had followed Vincenzo's moves. His grandfather had made the most of every opportunity to catch Vincenzo and mentor him. There was no way to avoid him. Right now he had mixed feelings. He had loyalty to his father but he didn't understand why his father completely blocked his grandfather. The man was dangerous. He was a mastermind. More than anything the old man wanted to have a family beside himself that his father had denied him for years. Vincenzo was aware of the risks of blocking someone like hs grandfather. He couldn't be kept away forever. He thought his father had to face him before his grandfather decided enough was enough. For now, he didn't want his grandfather to go after his siblings. They were not in his good books. Vienna dating an Irish and Viggo dating an Andovini who his grandfather hated so much. It didn't look ideal. He didn't think his grandfather was going to approve of Terza but he had to accept it.
They arrived at their next destination and this was a less diplomatic visit. His grandpa made quick work of it all. He shot dead everyone at the building that looked like an old warehouse and set fire to the place. He was sending a message. Death awaited anyone who didn't keep their end of the bargain.
Vincenzo watched the flames taking over the building from outside. This was a familiar sight. He had watched many scenes that involved violence and revenge. His father and his grandfather had different styles but sent out the same message. Vincenzo was used to watching business empires burn like how he had read in books. Roman Empire burned down too but legacies lived on. That was life. He knew so many people out there wanted to watch his father's empire to go up in smoke but he wasn't going to allow it.
After they were done, his grandfather announced " The next destination is unavailable right now. I will summon you when it's time, maybe tonight in a few hours." He then walked away as he muttered under his breath " I don't know what your father has been drinking, trusting his blood with the Irish in his absence..."
Vincenzo followed his grandpa and made his way through secret passages to the Rosario hotel he came from with a smile on his face. His grandfather's words amused him. He was prejudiced but there wasn't much he could do about his hate towards the Irish. He whispered " Grandpa, times are changing. O'Neils are not like other Irish who want you dead in Italy grandpa. Emanuelle O'Neil married a Giovanni."
Paulo shook his head " An Irish runs that household with his Irish ways. Gabriel made a mistake giving away his daughter to an O'Neil."
Vincenzo knew one of his grandpas biggest regrets was disagreeing with his uncle costanzo and sancia Giovanni dating. The relationship between sancia and Emanuelle was peculiar. They made up and broke up non stop. Probably to make O'Neil jealous sancia Giovanni had become close to his uncle costanzo. Not that it had worked. Paulo Rosario was on not so good terms with Gabriel Giovanni and hadnt approved. Now he did approve. Either way Vincezno was certain if Sancia Giovanni married his uncle, there would have been war until Emanuelle O'Neil killed his uncle Costanzo. That was for sure.
After Vincenzo was hugged tightly by his grandpa and bid farewell to him, he made his way to the Rosario hotel's lobby where he was meant to meet up with Viggo.
Viggo was pacing the floor looking at his watch. He looked up "About time Vincenzo. Vienna was picked up by Tristan half an hour ago.
Vincenzo replied "Where is she? Your girl?"
A hint of sadness crossed Viggo's face "She can not come tonight. There are threats around town. Its best that she doesnt come out. They say an old foe is in town."
Vincenzo walked past him towards the exit as Viggo followed "You could deploy our people."
Viggo frowned "No. Apparently the old foe is one of our people. Its complicated. I will tell you in the car."
As the boys got in the car, Vincenzo gave a sign to the driver to wait outside. As the door was closed, he faced his brother who sat opposite him "Go on. Who is it?"
Viggo sighed "I know it sounds crazy but they say that... our grandfather is in town. Grandpa Rosario. He could come for the last remaining Andovini.... We both know our grandpa started that feud between our family and Angelia's. The man has no morals and doesnt care if we are family."
Vincenzo objected "He cares for family... Angelia is not family. Take her to church and marry her as soon as you turn eighteen. Then she is safe. That is how it works. For now you just have to watch her."
Viggo replied " At least one of us has it easier in the relationship department. You have letizia. You dont have to protect her from assassins."
Vincenzo chuckled. His brother had no idea. The Lucianos didnt make it public that they still wanted Letizia dead right now. They didnt want a war with his father. Viggo didnt know that the two brothers were not so different. Vincenzo looked outside the window "Viggo... There is no part of our lives you can call easy. We are Rosarios. Tell me this.. Do you want to meet grandpa? He is in town afterall. Are you ever curious to meet the one our father hates so much?"
Viggo whispered back "Vincenzo. We are not meant to even mention him. If father finds out he is in town then he would go on a war path..."
Vincenzo looked at his brother "Exactly. When father comes back he wont let us see him. Lets ask him all the questions we have now."
Viggo's eyes widened "Are you mad? No. I dont want anything to do with him. Neither should you. Our father forbids it."
Vincenzo replied "Fine. Remember its best to meet him on your terms and not his. If the man wants to meet you he will...."
Viggo replied "I know. Father did warn us that grandpa may come for us one day.... Hopefully he doesnt know I exist. I dont want anything to do with him."
Vincenzo smiled "Its highly unlikely. Don't hope for what cant be true. He is intelligent. A genius. You must have heard Gabriel Giovanni's words on him. He doenst praise peopel for no reason...But tell me this.... How do you know grandpa is in town? Who told you?"
Viggo replied "Uncle Angelo. He is his doctor as you know. He said there are rumours amongst his people. Maybe his wife who works at American embassy told him. I dont know."
Vincenzo made a note to have a talk with his uncle who was pushing it by betraying his grandpa like that. He didn't dare go to his father so he passed on his intelligence through Viggo who didnt push him for information. He couldnt do it to his uncle. Anyone else would have been floored and interrogated thouroughly if they had such information. But Viggo went easy on their uncle Angelo.
Vincenzo replied "I think I will have a talk with uncle Angelo. He must know more."
Viggo argued"He told me all he knows Vincenzo. Leave him out. He is Angelia's doctor. His protection is my responsibility. If you need to question him, you tell me. I will do it."
Vincenzo gave him a hard look "I just want to have a friendly chat." He then gave the driver a sign to enter "Its getting late. We cant keep the O'neils waiting. We can discuss this later."
Viggo crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back on his chair as he watched his brother take out a soda can from the car's fridge. He watched his brother drink while thinking about how much Vincenzo had changed. There was so much that Vincenzo didnt tell him. When Vincenzo addressed people, what he didnt say was more of concern than what he said. But he had become on Vincenzo's good side as they had grown up. Vincenzo was protective and loyal to family even though his hostility, indifference and cruelty to the outside world was enhanced when it was time for action. He believed that Angelia's grief had brought him closer to Vincenzo. Even though his brother hated Angelia, he didn't insult her after the tragedy that had befallen on her. Vincenzo didnt want Viggo to date Angelia because he thought Angelia held him back. But apart from that, Vincenzo was surprisingly supportive.
Viggo commented "Thank you Vincenzo. I think I forgot to say it earlier."
Vincezno almost choked on his drink "For what?"
Viggo replied "For being nice to Angelia. You could make her life hell if you wanted to but you don't."
Vincenzo replied "As long as he doesn't cause our family pain, I wont have a problem with her... Besides, father approves of her now.
Viggo smiled sadly " You know, what grandpa did to father when he didnt approve of our mother? Apparently he did push girls in his way but it didnt work out."
Vincenzo replied "He did it the wrong way round. If he had pushed dates in our mother's way then maybe we wouldnt have been born. It reminded Vincenzo of how his father had made him meet new girls every so often to make sure he had other choices. If he had pushed guys in Terza's way then it would have been another story. Vincenzo would have murdered all of them of course. His father was not so worried now and had lifted the rules since he saw, Vincenzo wasnt close to Letizia. They hadn't even kissed yet and his father knew it. So his father was certain this relationship was not going to last.
Vincenzo ordered the driver "Go to Andovini mansion."
Viggo gasped "What? No. Its too dangerous."
Vincenzo rolled his eyes " He wouldnt dare Viggo. You underestimate yourself. No one would dare come after her now that you are dating her. Not even him."
Viggo argued "Well, it didnt stop those people who massacred Angelia's entire family..."
Vincenzo replied "Where are they now? They signed their death warrants. If he comes after your girl, he is dead and he knows it. We wouldnt even be the ones to go after him. Our allies will avenege us like how those who murdered Angelia's family were wiped out by our loyal allies... Besides our people would protect her."
Viggo was suspicious "Are you joking right now? Why are you trying to help me? Your orders are there is no protection offered to others while mother and father are away."
Vincenzo looked at him "I think you should enjoy it while it lasts. Letizia is not around to clash with your girl since she is away with her aunt so its your lucky day. Besides, I dont get a kick out of your misery any more Viggo. Times have changed. You will be miserable at the party if you dont take your girl. Its not so convenient. I need you with full force on my side. We need to show the other families a united and strong front."
Viggo responded "I dont understand you at all. One minute you call her a witch and the next you compromise."
Vincenzo replied "That was more of a compliment. Not an insult. She should be honoured I called her a witch. A witch has power. As long as the witch doesn't curse our family with her spells, she is safe."
Viggo decided not to complain. Vincenzo was in a good mood for some reason. Vincenzo's good mood always coincided with Clarisa's arrival. Whenever she came to America for visit, Vincenzo was kinder to his family. maybe it was because Letizia became scarce for some reason around this time. Last time Clarisa came, Vincenzo gifted her with some surprise trips alone to tour Universal studios and the time before that, he had invited the wallstreet big guys to come stay at the home of the Marcianos and kept Letizia busy. Maybe it was because Vincezno didnt want Letizia to insult the O'Neils. They were protective of their daughter and in welcoming parties when grandpa Giovanni and grandpa O'Neil were present you signed your death warrant if you insulted their only granddaguter who was their rare diamond.
Viggo didnt know why Letizia just didnt click with Vincenzo. She just didnt. But Vincenzo still gave their relationship a chance. Most of the time they didnt talk and spent time in silence. He hoped their relationship worked because he could see Vincenzo getting restless and impatient with her error in public at times. He took her to the side, lectured her and that worked for now. The bets were still on her not surviving until her eighteenth birthday amongst the boys. The bets were on Vincenzo murdering her for being irritating. Vincenzo had knolwedge of it but laughed it off.
As the car stopped in front of the Andovini mansion, Vincenzo got off the car and instructed the men about security. He took the necessary precautions as he watched Viggo cheerfully leading Angelia to the car from the building. Vincenzo could see the change in Viggo. He loved her. He was going to give Angelia a chance. He sat down inside the car and nodded his head as Angelia said hi to him. As Viggo and Angelia were kissing inside the car, he looked away and his thoughts were now mostly occupied with his Terza who was as irresitable as the jasmin's call to any passerbys to pick it and fall deep in love with its scent.
As Vincenzo got off the car, he narrowed his eyes as he spotted his terza from behind the windows as she was drinking from a cup and talking to people. He wasnt pleased to see her smiling at someone else. That someone else was a boy. An exchange student who was a friend of Austin's. Derek. Whatever his name was had just become his next prey.
As Vincenzo went inside, he walked straight to Terza in the large party room where people were drinking and dancing at her welcome party. when she saw him, she looked the other way and whispered something in Derek's ear. She was cheeky enough to wave at her like a goodbyw wave and held his hand in hers dragging him away. If she was to play, he was all for it. They headed to the dance floor. Vincenzo followed. As they were about to dance, Clarisa turned to put her drink away on a tray carried by one of the servents. As she turned Vincenzo, appeared behind derek and patted him on the back "Excuse me. you dropped something Derek." Vincenzo skillfully picked his hankerchief from his pocket and dropped it.
The guy turned and then looked down. He muttered "Thanks" as he leaned down to pick up the hankerchief which was a mistake. Vincenzo hit him at the back of his neck and knocked him out cold.
Just then Clarisa who was speaking to a servent and sayong thanks to them turned around shocked "Derek..."
Vincenzo shrugged "Europeans are not used to our strong drinks perhaps. I think you should give him some ice cream to wash off the ginger beer. I think he had headaches from it. I can take him next door and wake him up for you if you wish. Would you need assistance?."
Clarisa knew Vincenzo must have done somthing and he wasnt finished with him. She sighed. Here went her normal night.