O'Neil was livid as he saw who was at the gates. It was Francesco's mother alongside Francesco's uncle Pietro. They had gotten off their car and were waiting to be allowed in. He knew who to blame for this. His attention went to Vitale who was standing around looking at O'Neil with an uncertain expression. O'Neil walked write at him and said "You come with me."
Vitale obediently followed and once they were inside the building, O'Neil closed the door and grabbed the collar of vitale's shirt "Talk... now ." He forcefully pushed him to the wall making Vitale lose his breath. "What do you gain from this?"
Vitale breathed "My father... He asked me what was happening. I told him. He is my father... I don't keep secrets from him..."
O'Neil said "Give me one good reason not to kill you... I can kill you with one shot and can bury you right underneath the exact spot you are standing. I don't answer to anyone."
Vitale knew O'Neil could be seconds away from killing him. He said "Kill me. I just know sooner or later this needs to happen. If my uncle Paulo is going down his wife needs to know."
O'Neil let go of him and then punched Vitale in the gut making him kneel. Vitale wasn't weak. That's why O'Neil hit him. He could handle the hit. He kicked him in the gut again making him cough "You are not smart. You think you are. You and your principles passed down from your grandfather disgusts me. Francesco's mother is not Paulo's wife. Not when he broke the vows by hurting her and his kids. My principles doesn't need no divorce papers to declare a marriage void unlike yours. You are still a kid. Sort your brains out. Sort your views out or no one will follow you as a leader. Your grandfather certainly wasn't a descent leader. If he was he wouldn't have let a wife beater to roam free under his watch."
Vitale stood up "My grandfather is dying..."
O'Neil said "Good. Let's hope your uncle Paulo follows behind him. How long does he have?"
Vitale said weakly "Not long. That's why Vincenzo had to step in to get some mentoring. My people want Francesco but he won't step foot in Sicily.,. Not after how they forced him to get married on Sicilian soil against his will and having his father attend it..."
O'Neil said "No one forced Francesco. He chose to do it. Its all because he is sacrificial like that. You or anyone in your family will ever be able to grasp the meaning of his sacrifices. He puts interests of others first and his own priorities are last on his list unlike your people."
Vitale breathed "Look. I am not proud of my family. I wish I could make things right. I cant. I was not even born when my father watched how the ones around the Don covered up what the Don's favourite middle son was upto. My father as the eldest son is responsible but its not him who covered up for my uncle Paulo.
O'Neil laughed darkly. "You have all the answers it seems. Tell me. Based on what you are told... who covered up the truth about Paulo's abusive relationship with his wife and his mistreatment of his children?"
Vitale said "My Uncle Piero, my youngest uncle because his wife was the sister of uncle Paulo's wife. He knew because his wife was in touch with his sister. Only my father knows some details from his talk right before Francesco's wedding. No one knows beside uncle Piero's family and no one believes it even when the truth is told. Not unless uncle Paulo admits it himself..."
O'Neil said "You Sicilian Rosarios talk of honour and family. Where was it when it mattered to Francesco. And cherry on top of it is they havent stopped trying to get him back. Heaven knows how many abduction attempts I have had to help unfoil. They wanted to take Francesco away from US soil so he can bring back the glory. Your silence on your uncle Paulo's past is as outrageous as your people's hypocrisy. Get out of my sight. Actually make yourself useful. Go out there and tell them to turn around and leave."
Vitale was shocked "What? I can't do that. Vincenzo can tell them to leave because thats his grandmother. I would not dare."
O'Neil said "I am fully aware of that. That's your problem. You tell them to leave. You invited them here. Get rid of them. You must take responsibility for your actions. You bringing in uninvited guests leads to repercussions. Nothing good can come out of Francesco's mother meeting with him again. It will mess the situation up. It will make everything worse."
Vitale nodded "I know. I am sorry for the problems I have caused. I couldn't lie to my father... I didn't think he would come with Maria Rosario. I never thought they will come... But sooner or later this had to happen..." He then walked away leaving the building. O'Neil came out and watched as Vitale made his way out there. But they both stopped walking as they saw Costanzo at the gates. He was embracing his mother.
O'Neil knew he was too late to stop the disaster. This was not good. Francesco didn't need his mother who had been absent for so long and the one who had broken Francesco's heart to come along and ruin his life. He hated failing. He had failed to protect Francesco. He would have used force to get rid of them. But out of respect for Francesco he couldn't. His mother was sacred to him. Only his blood could get involved. He could see Vitale was relieved.
O'Neil shouted out orders for his men to block the entrance. He made the order clear. No one was allowed in. He was not going to allow anyone in. Costanzo was welcome to stay outside with his mother, uncle and cousin. His orders over-ruled Costanzo's. He wasn't having any of this. He did not need Francesco's mother to come in this crucial moment when father and son needed to talk without interference and ruin everything. He then went inside and decided to call the only person he could think of that could make a difference.
He picked up a phone and after getting through multiple middle men, finally he heard his voice "Do you know what time this is? What in the world? Dont you sleep like normal humans at this time of the day? What have you been drinking?"
O'Neil said "Irish cream whiskey. Shaken. Not stirred... What do you think I have been drinking?"
Riordan said "I hope you have a good reason to call me. I am meant to be on vacation with my family. I am regretting choosing New York for holiday. At least in Rome I know the Irish dont disturb me when I am with family. Your phone number is blocked at my family home."
O'Neil said "We have Your number is blocked at my end too. I only have you on trusted list in my office. I only called because I need your assistance Riordan Rossi"
Riordan said "The only reason I answered your call is because of Francesco. You want help? Why did you call me? Have you ran out of Irish allies? Isn't your eldest son ruling Jackson's realm?"
O'Neil said "I didnt say I need help. I said I need assistance. There is a difference. Its a matter only you can assist me with."
Riordan said "Let's go over this. You want assistance meaning you are involved in some matters that most likely dont concern you or you wont call me. What makes you think I would want to assist you?"
O'Neil said "Because your godmother is here and her husband has made a come back. You are needed to act as back up. Its about Francesco. Not me."
Riordan went silent for afew seconds. Then his tone changed to an urgent tone "I am on my way. Give me the address."
O'Neil said "It is near your hotel. Write it down..."
When O'Neil put his phone down he rubbed his eyes. This was going to destroy Francesco and he was watching his life crumbling helplessly. Just when Francesco broke away from his father's iron grip, the man appeared in his way like the uninvited phantom that he was. He didnt like asking for help. But in matters that concerned Francesco's mother even he needed back up. He couldnt let that woman walk into his life without anyone on Francesco's side. He wished he was related to Francesco by blood. But he was not. Costanzo was unfortunately and he seemed to be living in a dream land. As he walked outside he dismissed all requests to open the gate. He said they had to wait for Francesco.
He looked at his watch. He was hoping Riordan Rossi arrived soon. As he waited pacing the ground he could see time was running out. Then few minutes later, he saw cars coming into view. He smiled. He knew that his unlikely, unwilling friend from college was not going to say no to a matter involving Francesco.
The cars pulled up and Riordan got off the first car. He looked up into his god mother's eyes. He embraced her and spoke to the party.
O'Neil watched them with stone cold eyes. To his relief they left with Riordan's men. Only Riordan stayed with some men. He gestured to the gate. "I sent my godmother to my family hotel. Open the gate. I would like to hear Francesco's version of events."
O'Neil stood across from Riordan at the other side of the gate "Francesco will see you at my hotel. Please leave the premises. I cant explain."
Riordan said "I would like to break the news to Francesco that I asked his mother to leave. I dont wish to leave."
O'Neil sighed and signalled for the gate to open. "I will take you to him. Follow me."
There was silence between the two men as they walked away. After a long walk, O'Neil pointed to the top of a hill where they could see two figures. "Thats where they are. Francesco is talking to his eldest son about his past. So dont expect a warm welcome... Its dark times."
Francesco could see from far two figures approaching. He couldnt believe what O'Neil was upto next but he just was losing his patience. He was used to getting his way. O'Neil had crushed his plans by involvement. He didnt want to have this talk with his son. O'Neil was getting his way and he wasn't happy about it.
Francesco looked into his son's eyes and he could see himself at many levels. His son was born in a different decade with a different perspective. He could never imagine life as Francesco knew it, not even if he tried his hardest. He tried to put himself in his son's position. He tried to imagine how he would have reacted if he didnt have all the facts. His son didnt know that his grandpa Paulo was an abusive wife beater. His son didnt know much detail of how much pain his grandpa had caused him, his brother and his mother. Vincenzo was given glimpses of the truth but not all of it. So he didnt blame his son for his misjudgements. It was not his son's fault that the adults had interfered in his young life. It wasn't his son's fault that his uncle Antonio was a traitor and it wasn't his fault that he was born in a family where he was denied access to his grandfather because it could put his life at risk of being ruined.
Vincenzo asked "Father. Why have you stopped. Please tell me more... Father... I need you to guide me... I need to get to know you..."
Francesco said "Vincenzo. Anything I have done in my life was for, your mother, you and your siblings. I need to make tough decisions so my family is safe. That is all that matters to me. Your safety..."
Vincenzo said "What are you talking about father? We are safe. You have done a great job."
Francesco said "One thing I have learnt is... sometimes we need saving from ourselves..."
Vincenzo couldn't understand "What do you mean?"
Francesco said "I have raised you to have a strong personality. I have taught you to stand up for what you believe is right... But you shouldn't be standing in front of me questioning me regarding matters that dont concern you..."
Vincenzo said "Father. You are my family. What hurts you hurts me... I want to know what happened. I don't mean to offend you or be intrusive. Allow me to know more. Allow me to know as much as you do. Is that too much to ask?"
Francesco said "I need you to trust me when I say enough is enough. I told you as much as I felt was necessary and I expect you to now step out of my way. I mean it son."
Vincenzo recognised the seriousness in his father's tone. It was an order. Not a request. Vincenzo warily said "Father. Let's talk about this."
Francesco said " I am your father. I am telling you to end your quest for the truth."
Vincenzo said "I can't put my curiosity on hold."
Francesco said " I was hoping you don't challenge me when I give you a simple instruction."
Vincenzo said "I am not challenging you... I would not dream of it..."
Francesco said "Then listen to your father. Leave. Go back to our home. Wait for me to come back. This matter between my father and I does not concern you. He involved you and I will make him answer for what he has done to your life. But this is where it ends. You must cease your involvement right now."
Vincenzo said "Father don't exclude me."
Francesco said "It's for your own good. I am trying to save you from yourself."
Vincenzo said "I don't want to be saved and I don't need to be saved."
Francesco looked at his watch. "I don't have long left to get you off the premises. Leave. I want you out." He looked up and his eyes were much colder. His voice came out rough " You will leave this minute or I will make you."
Vincenzo didn't know what came over him. For the first time he felt afraid of his father to a level he couldn't ever imagine. His tone was cold. He felt chills running down his spine. The last time he had felt this much fear when his father looked at him was when his ball had hit his mother once when he was playing basketball. He was so young back then. He remembered the murder in his father's eyes. But he was saved that day with his mother being there who gave his father a kiss and said she was fine. He was then later told by his uncle Angelo that his mother was never struck by anyone in anyway. It was the first and last time she was struck. Everyone knew to keep their distance from his mother. Even accidents didn't happen. Right that minute he felt the death glare on him and he instinctively took a few steps back until his back hit a tree. He was watching his father cautiously. "Father. This is not a fair fight and you know it. I am asking as your son. I just want to know ... I need to know the truth..."
His father said in a final tone "I told you enough... As your father, I ask you to be satisfied. I don't wish to teach you the hard way to take my word as law. I tell you to stay out of my way. When I want an audience I will ask for it. This is a personal matter to me. Too personal to involve you." He then walked past his son. "I mean it Vincenzo. Go straight home or I will force you."
Vincenzo balled his hands into fists wanting to move but he felt paralysed. His father's tone left no room for argument. The threat was not just the motive for him to obey. His father just radiated danger, elegance, honour witch all demanded respect. What he said and how he said it made him want to melt into the ground out of respect. No wonder the Don kept expressing his biggest regret to be his failure to convince Francesco to come to Sicily to become the next Don. He counted himself lucky to even get a glimpse of the truth. But Vincenzo just couldn't give up. He just couldn't. He had to take his chances.
Francesco found himself face to face with his son again. He raised an eyebrow "You are tearing my patience son... Step aside. I asked you once. Now this is twice. Get out of my way. Listen to your father. I don't wish for you to remain and witness matters that I don't need an audience for. I am trying to save you from yourself."
Vincenzo was trying to speak but just couldn't. His father's death stare was there. His throat had gone dry. What could he say to this man to change his mind? He was his father's son and even he could feel the weight of his orders. His father's men didn't question him. They never dared. Vincenzo had to dare. Just when he was thinking of how to choose his words wisely, he noticed his father looking away. His father stated in a strained voice "We have company."
Vincenzo looked away in the direction his was staring at.
Vincenzo saw O'Neil standing next to a man who was around the same age as his father and O'Neil. He had dressed smartly and looked like a businessman. He had an air of confidence around him but he didn't look happy. As his father reached him, Vincenzo saw that to his surprise he shook hands with him and embraced him.
Francesco said "It's good to see you." Then he turned around and pointed to Vincenzo "Meet my Vincenzo, my eldest son. Well, son. This is Riordan Rossi."
Vincenzo knew that name but he had never met the man himself. Riordan was from New York. His family were from Rome but did business in New York, Rome and Sicily. They were a family who kept to themselves. There was so many secrets attached to the Rossi family. Vincenzo just knew that his father and Riordan had bonded in college even though they had different interests.
Riordan was an athletic football star and Francesco was a star boxer back in college. Riordan had challenged Francesco to try football and he had given boxing a shot in exchange. His father was popular among Italian families but it was his father who didn't gift his trust to just anyone. Riordan was a friend of his.
Riordan looked at Vincenzo and offered his hand for Vincenzo to take. "I am delighted to meet you." After a quick handshake he let go and turned to Francesco. "I was told that you are in the middle of a vital matter. Francesco I cant say this is a good idea but I have been pulled into a matter I didnt wish to be part of. But I am. There is so much happening around us as you know. You have a family matter right now. May I speak to you and Terrence alone?" His eyes went to Vincenzo after he said this.
Francesco said "Anything you wish to say you can say it in front of my son."
Riordan nodded "As you wish. So lets go straight to it. This is the best time for Jackson to strike. Lets be blunt. We all know how badly he wants to see your empire crumble. He is on your case. You are under his watch. I have reason to believe its going to get worse. I was here on vacation but wanted to have a meeting with you too. Now I am called upon and see you are in the middle of a ... family crisis. Its getting worse. Come with me. I will lend you all the resources that I have in New York. Terrence can do so too. We will join forces so your conflicts are resolved and you are safe. Now is the time for you to crumble now that carelessly your family is putting you in danger." He then put his hand on Francesco's shoulder "I am short of time. Come with me."
Francesco said " Stop avoiding telling me the reason you are here. Say it. Why are you here?"
Riordan said "While you are locking up your father, you are being watched I am here to help you alongside Terrence as a team...."
Francesco said "You dont work with O'Neil unless you want to or have to. I dont see neither happening at present."
Riordan glanced at O'Neil and then at Francesco "Alright. It was not my idea and neither I or Neil had anything to do with this... We are just the messengers.... She is at my hotel with my family... Your mother is here to see you."
Francesco closed his eyes and Vincenzo stiffened.
Riordan continued. "Francesco. You are the number one underground leader on top of any gangster's list to overcome. But if being the most wanted was not enough, a new dawn of threats are approaching all of us and your mother is here to see you after how long... 17 years? I am sorry we are involved when its such a personal time for you but we have your back and wont let your enemies exploit any gaps. So if you wish to travel to Italy to finish this business and settle scores if needed... then we will take care of your business for you in every way we can. If you wish to settle this in New York we stand by you too."