Terza could hear sounds that resembled glasses and pouring of drinks nearby as she had closed her eyes resting. It was night time and she had woken up from her sleep on the plane that was flying to New York but she hadn't opened her eyes. She was hoping to sleep for longer but it was not a silent environment there and she was not a heavy sleeper. If she told that to Vincenzo he would have ordered everyone to be totally silent for their 12 hour flight as he always reacted drastically to her needs. She didn't mind the sounds much.
Earlier on, Vincenzo had received a message from Tristan to leave immediately. Vincenzo had made sure he left without delay. She had managed to have a cup of coffee with his family or rather the women before she had left in a rush. The Irish guards were left in Sicily. Vincenzo wasn't ordering their release for now.
Terza heard Vincenzo's grandfather's voice "The more I think about how you turned out, the less it makes sense... I am most baffled by your faith. Why did you stop at the church for on your way? Who turned you religious Vincenzo?" Terza hated hearing that voice even though Paulo was Vincenzo's grandfather. She definitely didn't want him to accompany them on this trip at all. But he was one of Vincenzo's mentors. Tristan only had one mentor who was Jackson O'Kane. Vincenzo had four; the old don, grandpa Paulo, uncle Pietro and uncle Piero. Amongst them she didn't mind Tiziana's father, Pietro. But her least favourite was Vincenzo's grandfather. Instinct told her to stay away from him. But he had to come as Vincenzo's grandfather and main advisor since Vitale had to stay behind to deal with Andreas and his demands for his sister. He didn't want to leave without her and the meetings hadn't reached a conclusion to find a solution.
Terza preferred it if Vitale accompanied them. Even though Paulo's safety was not guaranteed in New York, he still came along. It was common knowledge that Francesco Rosario was not fond of him showing up. But with Vincenzo now as the young Don, it complicated everything. She didn't look forward to going back to New York this time. She had a feeling there was going to be some darker days ahead. She just could feel it. If her brother had summoned Vincenzo with no reason it meant there was a serious issue.
Terza then heard Vincenzo "Grandpa. Drop this subject." The warning tone left no room for questions. She did feel the tension of the silence that followed but it didn't last long as grandpa Paulo said "I cant drop it. Who turned you? I like to know this. Your parents are responsible ... But ... It can't be your father..."
Vincenzo said "Clarify what you mean by that..." His voice was casual but the threat was obvious. Terza hopes that his grandpa got to taste Vincenzo's wrath. No one dared insult his mother. Paulo was crazy if he thought he could imply anything accusing Adele and live on. Terza knew that from the silence Paulo must have stopped himself from carrying on. Maybe he had understood the threat and the message... Grandpa Paulo had free reign to say anything he wanted especially behind closed doors. They were in a private section with no guards. He was free but of course there were rules. Vincenzo's Mother was sacred to him. She was certain he was going to kill his grandpa for his mother's honour because that was what his father had taught him. Grandpa Paulo also never disrespected Terza in public but Vincenzo had told Terza that behind closed doors he made comments about the Irish.
Paulo spoke after a pause "You can't afford to go soft Vincenzo."
Vincenzo said "And you can't afford to insult my mother. I have made it clear. I will listen to your instructions but there are exceptions. I don't wish to hear your opinion on certain subjects. I compromised. But if you break your word grandpa, I will break my word too."
Grandpa Paulo said "I asked you who turned you. That is all. I did not mention your mother."
Vincenzo said "Of course you didn't. If you had, then I would have reacted differently to you grandpa. But just to set the records straight I like to make this clear. I request from you that never ever mention my mother grandpa unless you wish to compliment her. I choose to live the way I do grandpa..."
Grandpa sighed "I am just curious. My son was never religious."
Vincenzo said "I was born a catholic Grandpa."
Grandpa said "So was I."
Vincenzo said "Well, you and I are different. Let's leave it at that... Now, I insist that you go to take a walk in the billiard compartment of the plane. Go get busy grandpa. This twelve hour flight will need you to stretch your muscles. I insist grandpa. Leave." There was an edge in his tone.
Terza heard footsteps and then a door opened and soundly shut. She heard Vincenzo's voice "Wise move. I was tempted to throw you off the plane grandpa if you carried on." He then said prayer in Latin. Terza could tell from the words that he was praying to be saved from temptation. He said that prayer a lot.
Terza couldn't help but smile at the irony. The same faith and prayers that grandpa Paulo would have criticised saved his life. He resisted the urge to silence the persistence of a grandpa who underestimated the power of a son's love for his mother.
Terza felt softness covering her as a a blanket was placed on her "I hope you don't catch a cold Terza. Do you want me to turn up the heating. Answer me. I know you are awake."
Terza opened her eyes. He was towering over her. He sat on the edge of the bed.
Terza said "I am fine. It's hot in here already. Vincenzo, why do you put up with your grandpas taunts. He is offending you. Why don't you just put him in his place?"
Vincenzo said "I need him alive Terza. There is so much he hasn't revealed to me. I would have thought it is obvious. I agreed to be the dons heir for this reason. There is so much I don't know. The decision by my father to cut off all ties with the Sicilians has lead to me being kept in the dark. My grandpa has powerful underground links. He didn't just get lucky in his business. He made so many enemies that my father destroyed after he took over but his allies are out there too that my father refuses to acknowledge. No man is an island."
Terza said "I don't think it's worth being close to him for information. He nearly insulted your mother... He had a slip up nearly."
Vincenzo said "Do you want me to hurt him for nearly having a slip up? I need to be fair Terza. He didn't insult her."
Terza said "I think he knows he is close to a slip up. He should hire protection."
Vincenzo said " He needs no one's protection. If I want to hurt him badly enough I will get him... He knows that Terza.. Everyone does...."
Terza said "Of course. Now I see why you don't want your grandpa hurt. You need him alive and well so he tells you his secrets... I tell you now Vincenzo. I won't shed any tears if you drop him off the plane. I say it proudly. My father doesn't trust him. My father hates him. I trust my father. Do you trust my father?"
Vincenzo said "Yes I do... But I trust my own father too. My father hasn't given me any orders to hurt him. My father has not objected to me being mentored but he did object to me ever forming feelings. So I don't eat at the same table with anyone back there with the exception of my cousins and my uncle Angelo...I trust my father..."
Terza said "Maybe... However, it makes me wonder about why you didn't lose it when he questioned your faith. Maybe you think the question is legitimate. I won't judge... But I think I like to know the answer to your grandfather's question. Why do you pray and go to church?"
Vincenzo asked "Why do you?"
Terza said "I go because I was born into this faith... My father is Irish American. My mother is Italian American. Having two catholic families that didn't get along meant that going to church was the only place to be sitting next to my family members without seeing arguments, hate and fights. That's part of a reason... We are born into a life. We follow the path of our fathers. That's the main reason. We do what our fathers say because they know best..."
Vincenzo smiled "Mothers know best too. My mother does..."
Terza stayed silent and stared at Vincenzo hoping he carried on. He hardly ever mentioned his mother. Terza was curious about him and his faith.
Vincenzo said "My mother mentions my siblings and I in her prayers a lot. That's how she is. She is very honest and innocent. She loudly voices her fears, hopes, happiness and sadness in her prayers. By going to church on Sundays I got to know my mother more."
Terza gasped "That's confidential what she says in prayers. You invaded her privacy by trying to listen to her prayers."
Vincenzo said "No it's not an invasion of privacy. My mother prays openly. Everything she confesses is about my siblings and I actually. So I don't see how hearing about everything I know already can be a sin. I never invaded her privacy because she said everything I already know. She never mentioned herself or my father and what they did. She just talked about how worried she is for us and how guilty she feels with her actions. So going to church helped me get to know my mother better and what is in her heart. She doesn't know my heart but I know hers... Let me firstly say she adores you but hates your big brother..."
Terza rolled her eyes "That's not headline news..."
Vincenzo said " Exactly. It's nothing you don't know... My mother is quite honest. She doesn't hide her feelings because she is innocent..."
Terza said "She is innocent... Because Tristan is a crime boss like his father she hates my brother... I thought she would get used to it..."
Vincenzo said "Yes. She is afraid of him because she doesn't know anything about him. My father does. But my mother doesn't. If she gets to know Tristan, she would love him... I trust Tristan to protect my sister. If he fails at that he is no different to anyone off the streets. The day he hurts my sister and allows any harm come to her is the day I will no longer see him worthy."
Terza said "I don't like it when you speak of my brother this way. Tristan is worthy of your sister otherwise your father wouldn't let him be with her..."
Vincenzo asked "Doesn't your brother speak of me in this manner?"
Terza said "Yes... But he won't let Vienna hear it of course..."
Vincenzo argued "That's because my sister is innocent."
Terza said "I am innocent..."
Vincenzo said "You are but I am trying to corrupt your innocence you see... I am the beast taking you away..."
Terza grabbed a pillow and threw it at his head.
Vincenzo grabbed the pillow "Terza. Don't assault me again on my plane..." He then put the pillow to the side.
Terza said "What are you going to do? Avoid my questions?"
Vincenzo said "I can do much more Terza... I don't want to scare you... So be nice to me in this 12 hour flight. I know you well so I also know your fears well..."
Terza asked "You think I don't know yours..."
Vincenzo said "No."
Terza said "You fear intelligent women and fear them out smarting you..."
Vincenzo said "I fear that you are pushing my buttons Terza. I feel no fear except losing my family members."
Terza said "I know. You pray in Latin which I don't understand but I can tell when you say the word family."
Vincenzo sighed "There is a reason I learnt Latin. I didn't want anyone to know what I say in church... I prefer not to be an innocent open book like my mother. She can afford to be open. I can't be. I am only open to you."
Terza said "You are calling this open? Do you? You haven't told me how you met Cristina."
Vincenzo said "It's for your own good Terza. Just know there is nothing going on between us. She is a friend."
Terza argued "You have a friend? A best friend? I can't guarantee that I can be civil with s girl who has an unknown relationship status with you. She is with Niall and that's the only reason I am finding it easier to accept her presence around me."
Vincenzo leaned closer and ran his hand on her golden hair strands "I love you for it. Your intolerance is welcoming because it shows you care for our relationship."
Terza said "If the situation was reverse you wouldn't tolerate it. If I had a best friend male you would go jealous like how you did with Jonas. He is no threat. He is Anastasia's boyfriend now... How wrong you could be over reacting to him?"
Vincenzo said "He will always be a threat. The Irish are threats."
Terza said "Am I a threat?"
Vincenzo smiled and leaned close as he put his hands on either side of her shoulders while she was still lying down. He said "I love you Terza. Even if you were a threat to my life I would still love you."
Terza asked "But am I a threat?"
Vincenzo nodded "You are my love. You are." He then got closer and brushed his lips against hers "You threaten my principles, you threaten my faith, you threaten my beliefs, you threaten my loyalties." He then kissed her.
Terza believed every word he said. She was a threat to him. She could change him and his path if she wished it. A woman's love did wonders or so her father said to her.
The rest of the flight was uneventful. Vincenzo left her alone to sleep for the rest of the way as he disappeared. It wasn't for the noise. He didn't want to sleep in the same room as her. When she had left her room, she had seen him sleeping right outside her door. He baffled her. His principles allowed him to walk and talk in that room but he didn't want to sleep there while she was or so he said.
The flight time went quick. Before she knew it, she was at the airport checking in and she noticed there was no sign of grandpa Rosario. She asked Vincenzo where he was. He said grandpa disappeared and was going to find him later in New York to take him to some business meetings. Of course the man knew how to hide from his son.
Terza was first accompanied to her home. As she was about to get off her car she asked Vincenzo to come in.
Vincenzo refused. He had to see Tristan.
Terza hoped our was going to be alright. Vincenzo didn't like how his brother hadn't given any information to him when he had phoned him up in Sicily.
Vincenzo made his way to Tristan's place immediately. What could be so urgent? He found his home to have more guards stationed around it than usual. Something was up. He managed to get through after giving up his weapons and his people remaining outside the gate. His uncles system still remained in place. He let people in without this much caution but not Vincenzo. He was not welcome because of his intelligence and knowledge. O'Kane knew Vincenzo could bring him down if he wished it badly enough. That was why the raging bull was his heir to counter attack if he was attacked ever.
Vincenzo was lead to Tristan's office as heavily armed guards surrounded him. A guard opened the door to an office and he saw Tristan behind a desk. "Welcome to New York."
Vincenzo walked in silently and stared him down. He didn't reply.
Tristan made a gesture to the guards dismissing them. After the door was closed and they were alone, Vincenzo spoke first "Let's cut the formalities. Why did you summon me."
Tristan stood up and walked around the desk "Do you want a drink first?"
Vincenzo sighed as he started walking to him "You know. I don't like this secrecy Tristan. I am honest with you. I expect the same honesty from you. Tell me why you summoned me."
Tristan said "Really? How come you failed to mention that my sister was stuck with you after she tried to get some interviews in Sicily?"
Vincenzo said "She was a guest. She was not stuck. But her people guarding her are stuck. I will let them go eventually. Now tell me why you summoned me. The Irish take their time when it comes to getting work done I see. I don't have patience Tristan. Speak or we can fight it out..." He was now in front of Tristan staring into his eyes awaiting his reply. His tone had been harsh and demanding. His eyes also did not imply patience.
Tristan said "You know, I would watch your tone if I were you. You are in my office Vincenzo."
Vincenzo said "And I will watch my neck if I were you. You are on my nerves."
Tristan leaned to his desk as he started tapping his fingers on the wooden oak desk top "Is this what it has come down to? You wish to fight me? I haven't even told you what's happened Vincenzo. At this rate, you may start on me before I even tell you about the problem."
Vincenzo raised an eyebrow "Problem? So there is a problem and you chose not to give me any indication of it. I see where your loyalties lie
Tristan asked "Where do you think my loyalties are?"
Vincenzo stated "With the Irish."
Tristan nodded "Is that all? Where else are my loyalties?"
Vincenzo said "Not with me. That's for sure. Otherwise you would have told me what to prepare for. I had twelve hours to kill on the plane... All wasted time. I could have gotten a head start."
Tristan whispered "It's about your sister. It's not good news."
Vincenzo's nostrils flared "Vienna? What about her? You failed to mention that on the phone. How thoughtful?."
Tristan had to break it to him fast. There was no way of sugar coating the truth. He had the right to know and he chose to be the one to tell him. Vienna was his woman. He felt like it was his responsibility to tell her big brother who was in the dark before Viggo or Francesco Rosario did. He wanted to know what Vincenzo was going to do about it. The only way to find out was to ask him "Vienna. She is alive. She is perfectly safe. There is no scratch on her. She is alright but ... Someone tried to kill her..." He didn't finish the rest of his sentences. He stopped. Tristan had never seen Vincenzo like he did in that moment. He had never seen that look in his eyes before. His eyes held murder, pure rage, hatred, blood. He didn't think he needed to ask what he was going to do next. There was going to be a bloodbath following up. There was no mistake. He had every intention.