It was a cold winter morning. Francesco was sipping from his glass of vodka sitting on a chair opposite his bed watching his wife sleeping peacefully as he from time to time glanced outside. But there was not much outside to see. There was no sunshine and it was dark and cloudy out there but the light snowfall was making it a beautiful sight. Francesco was looking at the snow flakes that fell on the glass windows while trying to think about his children's future and their upcoming battles. Did they know their grandfather was on the compound grounds? Vincenzo knew. What about the others? Had any of his children seen their grandfather brought inside? What about his wife. Had Adele seen anything. Perhaps not. He was sure Adele hadnt. She had been reading a book when Francesco had arrived home. She hadnt noticed anything much out of the ordinery. He asked himself, were they going to miss Paulo if he
His father was ano go area. But he prefered to focus on the thought of his family and their well being rather than how badly he wanted revenge.
Francesco couldn't stand the thought of his children near the man. How did this happen? How could he allow him to come this close? But more importantly had he ever come this close before and Francesco had missed it? The thought bothered him. No. Impossible. He wasn't that careless. But what if he had slipped? What if his father had come close before and had done some damage? The thought of the man he couldn't call his father but had to, messed with his mind. Even after all these years he felt wary of him. His father couldn't hurt him and neither had he taken steps to. Not yet anyways. But he was capable of it. Power was dangerous in his hands. He was certain his eldest son felt it too on that roof top. His son knew who he was dealing with. Francesco could tell. He had raised his son with enough knowledge to recognise the dangers. His father was a threat and his son knew it. That did put his mind slightly at ease. As long as he didn't feel sympathy for the man he was to be wary of, he was content.
Now it was time to question Vincenzo. He had to sit down and have a talk with him. But where did he start? He couldn't question him without going into detail about everything the man had done. But was he ready to tell his son about the past? His past was not revisited often and in particular he didnt mention his life before marrying his wife mostly unless he blanked out the parts about his father. The man destroyed his life and Costanzo's. They had a family and he destroyed it. It made his blood boil when he looked at his childhood. Many were not lucky enough to have a family on this planet. But he was lucky enough. He could have happiness. But his father didnt allow it.
Why did the pride and insanity of one man had to destroy a family. His childhood was bitter but it didnt have to be. His father ruined it. He had no childhood. His father ripped their family apart and ripped his soul apart too by force. Maybe if he had the choice he had chosen the paths he was on now. Maybe he hadnt. He could never know. But at least he would have had choices. Of course thats what it came down to. He never had any choices in his life. None at all. Once only he took control of his father's business he was allowed to choose to bring Adele into his life after ten years of no communication with her. His father didnt even allow him to make one phone call to Adele or write one letter or christmas present or birthday card to her. He was hoping Francesco forgot her so Franceco could marry a Sicilian girl from neighbouring mob families.
"Francesco..." Her voice called.
Francesco felt instantly at peace. Her voice was like an antidote to the poisonous thoughts he had at that moment. He relaxed instantly. All he needed was her to get though his upcoming years. He protected her in every way he could and his children didn't understand it fully. He apprecaited his wife like no other. Life before Adele was no life. He turned to Adele's form lying on the bed with her creamy silky dress. He smiled as he put his vodka glass down "Sweetheart. Go back to sleep..."
Adele's was looking at Francesco worriedly "I can't. Not when you are awake. Why are you awake?"
Francesco leaned back in his chair and smiled "Why are you awake sweetheart?"
Adele sighed "I dont know. Maybe I just suddenly woke up not feeling your warmth next to mine. I am not used to not sleeping next to you. Our holiday together hasnt helped."
Francesco shook his head "Sweetheart. My thoughts are with you even if my presence isn't."
Adele caught the sadness in his voice "Francesco... What is on your mind? Tell me. Something is is making you unhappy."
Francesco gave a smile that he only reserved for her "Sweetheart. I am thinking, I want to have some waffles for breakfast so we can have a meal as a family before anything else thats going to happen today. A lot will happen today. It will be a busy day. O'Neil has even closed down the school giving the students extended Christmas holidays."
Adele sat up and gasped " What? So the children don't go to school now? You are happy with this?"
Francesco nodded " Of course. Our children have their text books memorised. They don't need excessive schooling. What they may need is education beyond their school walls. In Harlem a lot of families will be gathering this year. Every year not all showed up and meetings were scattered around the year. But now. This year the criminal underworld must address the issues in more depth with more members present. You are expected to socialise with families of the people I deal business with as my wife if you wish it. But you can't go to work in the next week or so. It's quite hectic times now."
Adele wasn't really in the mindset to start an argument over her children having to go to school that day or the fact that she wasn't going to work. She picked her battles. She also didn't have the energy. So she changed the subject for now " I think you are right... We need some waffles." She then got up from the bed and walked to the wardrobe but she only took afew steps before his strong arms embraced her from behind. His hit breath was on her cheek " Sweetheart. Not so fast. I told you what's bothering me. You should tell me what's on your mind."
Adele argued " I need to make some waffles. I will tell you in the kitchen..." Of course Francesco let her go. It was impossible to avoid him. He was going to get his answers either way so he let her be. He in fact made his way to the shower. Adele was thinking how Francesco had changed to serious mode now. They had been all over each other on holiday. Now that serious matters were happening he wasn't keen to make out with her. He took care of her but his mind was on his business too.
Adele went to the kitchen and did what she enjoyed the most, cooking. She loved it and Francesco knew it so he let her bake and cook most days. As she was making the waffles mixture her mind was with Francesco and what she had told her about today. His relatives were coming and much more. The ones she didn't look forward to see were the Voltolini family. She felt at unease when ambrogio was nearby. She felt his stare on her when Francesco wasn't nearby. Ambrogio avoided coming to New York most years but that day he was coming. He was one of the leaders in the conference who was part of the main panel. His business was booming alongside to his brother in law's Arturo. He was becoming more and more influential.
Francesco walked into the kitchen with his business suit. He looked handsome to her as always. He surprised her by closing the door. He turned to her " Now. Tell me sweetheart. What's the matter? Do you have any problems with my instructions?"
Adele sighed as she opened the over door and put the first batch of waffles in the oven. He wanted answers. He had emphasised on the work, instructions.
Adele closed the oven door and put away her gloves as she looked at her husband " You know. I don't see much point of telling you. It doesn't make a difference." She started walking towards her husband " We both know I just don't want our children to get involved with more than they can handle. They are going to college in September."
"I thought we discussed this before sweetheart. Would you like me to go there again?" Francesco then put his hand on the wall behind Adele and as he leaned closer it made her take a step back and lean to the wall for support. He was not intimidating but just radiated an air of authority effortlessly even without demanding it.
Adele looked away as she whispered " Don't be like this Francesco. I just want our children to be safe."
Francesco reached his hand to her chin. He gently tilted her chin towards himself " His tone was passive. Sweetheart. I have let you interfere in our children's upbringing as much as I can. But if you don't play fair, neither will I. I know you contacted Anna about sending Vienna to Milan. You did this without consulting me. Sweetheart. I warn you. If you are concerned about the kids or if you want them to be sent away or you want to change anything about their life so drastically without my knowledge I would be quite cross."
Adele gulped " Francesco.... I am sorry."
Francesco leaned close and kissed her forehead. He then spoke gently but firmly " Sweetheart, where my child goes, is my business too. Don't ever make decisions about our children without consulting me. Do you understand sweetheart?"
Adele objected " I am sorry. I understand. But I did tell you I wish for her to leave...."
Francesco replied " But you did not say you have made arrangements. We were discussing it. I haven't given her permission yet. Yet you spoke to Anna. Sweetheart. I love you. I forgive you. But the next time you take actions without my knowledge I would exclude you from future decisions. Is that clear sweetheart?"
Adele nodded "Yes."
Francesco smiled and let go of her chin. He then walked to the kitchen table and sat down. " Sweetheart don't let them go to waist. They seem to be close to burning..."
Adele noticed it was time. She walked to the oven and removed the waffles. She carefully placed them onto plates and on the table. She then quickly poured the mixture for the second batch. She then made some pan cakes in silence.
Once Adele was finished, just then Viggo and Vienna walked through the door. Vincenzo was walking behind them. They muttered their good mornings as they explained how their father had asked them to skip their routine and just have breakfast as they had a long day ahead.
Francesco had a feeling inside him. He felt like today was a key day. A lot was going to happen. He hadn't talked to Vincenzo yet about yesterday because he didn't want to miss a chance to have breakfast with his family. If the meeting didn't go well in Harlem, a lot was going to go wrong. He had to do slot of preparation in that case.
As the Rosarios we're having breakfast the phone rang in the kitchen to Francesco's displeasure. He stood up and answered the phone as his family looked on anticipating what was so urgent that someone called the house phone in the kitchen.
Francesco picked up the phone " Yes O'Neil. It's me. It's my house. What's the urgency unless you have got the wrong number?"
Francesco frowned " You are coming here with your family? I don't think it's a good idea. You make your own way to Harlem to get to Sterling Johnson's hotel and I make my own way."
Francesco sighed " No. I don't think it's necessary for our family to show a strong front. O'Neil. We are not related."
Francesco narrowed his eyes " No. we are not as good as... I am having a peaceful breakfast with my family right now. The meeting has to wait... No... You can't speak to my wife.....She is having breakfast. You would like to join us. Do you?"
Adele whispered " Francesco... I can make more waffles... Let them come."
Of course the children knew the O'Neils a were coming now. They knew their father didn't refuse their mother unless he had to.