Tristan was standing opposite Francesco Rosario who was seated behind his desk. Francesco was taking his time signing bonus checks for his employees for them to take away this Christmas Eve.

Tristan was silently waiting his turn. He had been asked to wait while he couldn't wait to get back to Vienna. But he needed to speak to Francesco Rosario.

Francesco glanced up "Take a seat. Why are you still standing."

Tristan took a few steps forward "I would rather stand sir."

Francesco said "Have a drink then son. It can take awhile to do this."

Tristan was now standing at the side of Francesco's desk "I don't wish for any drink sir. Vienna is waiting for me..."

Francesco argued "She is occupied and doesn't mind. Son, by looking at my checks it will not fasten the process."

Tristan said "I am looking at the pictures on your desk sir. Not at your checks... I thought you didn't display family photos in your office."

Francesco said "I do. Only on my desk I display them. The photos face me and no soul ever crosses the line of this desk and comes behind it unless they have Rosario blood..."

Tristan joked "Yet I am allowed to cross the line. I am no Rosario. Then maybe I am no soul..."

Francesco looked up at Tristan. He sighed "You are my godson Tristan. You were always part of my family. After you went after my daughter, I don't think I ever can look at you the same way but I still do count you as my godson." He then looked down at his checks and carried on signing.

Tristan said "I did not go after her. I fell in love with her and I waited actually. I still will wait as long as she wishes me to."

Francesco didn't reply to Tristan Ava carried on signing checks. It didn't matter. It didn't make much difference. He had gone after his daughter. That's who Tristan was to him. On one hand he was glad Tristan loved his daughter and no one else. Tristan was honourable and this was not unexpected. He knew this could happen. Maybe he had a feeling about it always. But it didn't change anything. Tristan was after his daughter and his duty was to protect the interests of his daughter. So he had to be on guard with Tristan even though he was his godson and part of the family. He wouldn't have minded him at their Christmas dinner table for sure. O'Neil's son was always welcome at his property as long as he didn't pose a threat to his daughter.

Tristan decided to sit down but not opposite Francesco. He pulled up a chair at the side of the desk where Francesco was. He wanted to keep his position where he was. He preferred to be by Francesco's side rather than opposite him when he addressed him. He sat down and noticed Francesco was on the last check. It seemed like he had worked faster after their exchange. He suspected Francesco had been taking his time earlier so his daughter had some breathing time.

Francesco looked at his watch and then put away the checks to the side. He turned to Tristan "What can I do for you Tristan? Why did you come talk to me? What was the initial reason?"

Tristan said "It's about your arrangements tonight sir. You need to stay behind after the church service with your family as a sign of accepting peace. There are plans for all to stay for all attendees to stay at the O'Kane owned within walking distance to have drinks and the night will be concluded with a speech by me."

Francesco asked "A speech by you?"

Tristan nodded "Yes."

Francesco shook his head "Is this after that snowball fight your cousin Reyton O'Reily put on the table. Or is it before?"

Tristan said "Before. The youth can have their fun. It's Christmas."

Francesco said "In my youth, the definition of fun was different. I went to fight clubs for boxing. That was fun. It was the time when we had many Irish vs. Italians matches a lot. I bet Reyton's father, Roark O'Reily remembers those days. Yet his son wants to snow ball fight for fun? I find it hard to believe that the Irish attitude has changed."

Tristan said "They would choose a boxing match for sure if it was an option sir. Right now fighting amongst ourselves is not the wisest choice when FBI is the common enemy. The Irish understand that."

Francesco retorted "A bit too late. I proposed peace treaties many times. Your father is the only Irish who ever stood by me at the cost of being labelled an Irish traitor. Now the next generation want to try peace with the excuse on Christmas like the past few years. It hasn't been attracting a high turn out recently."

Tristan said "This year is different. A lot different. All families said yes when I asked. I left your family last to ask."

Francesco said "Of course .... It is all very well to do this now that FBI is all but breaking down the doors to our homes.. But know this. It doesn't last long if it is just pretence."

Tristan nodded "Your concerns are noted sir...."

Francesco said "I am not concerned. These are facts. Not concerns. I have built many protective layers around my family. I imagine my family surrounded by walls with barbed wires on top and of course underground tunnels as escape routes are there just in case the FBI manages to break in through the layers. So don't call them concerns when I just state facts."

Tristan said "Of course. Now sir, please tell me your response on the matter. Will you and the Rosario family stay after church service tonight with all families?"

Francesco stated "I need to speak with my wife. If she wishes to stay, I will stay. It's Christmas Eve. This time of year belongs to my family. I will ask her at the service what she wishes to do. Is there any other matter you wish to raise with me?"

Tristan didn't think he was going to hear a yes and didn't argue. He replied "Yes... There is a minor issue... Vienna's friendship with Reagan O'Reily has suddenly intensified after many years... I wish to ask if you will give me permission to interfere. I have no knowledge that Reagan is in any way causing inconvenience to Vienna and I don't see her as a threat. But Reagan loves your younger son. It's common knowledge and I see her getting too close to Vienna but I can't be certain if you feel I must interfere in this friendship between Vienna and Reagan. This is happening while Vienna is under your care under your roof so I did not wish to contradict you today sir."

Francesco said "I think you answered your question today earlier. You said it yourself that times are changing and now we must keep peace. My daughter is keeping peace with the Irish side and it is her choice. I let her have some freedom of choice in who she interacts with in the open. I would be cross if Vienna ever chose to interact with anyone in secret. That I will not like and will not forgive. I am aware that Reagan is fighting for my son's affection. Who isn't? I am well aware of the long line of ladies seeking his attention on global scale actually. But Tristan, if Reagan puts a foot wrong, she will stop breathing. I will end her or my sons who I have taught to protect their sister. It's as simple as that and Reagan knows that herself. I have built my reputation over the years and it has reached Philadelphia for sure where she is from and beyond. So I feel you don't need to interfere or worry. Either that or I have misjudged the O'Reilys. The last time I checked their females were smart."

Tristan looked at Francesco "Reagan is smart."

Francesco said "We will see based on actions. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

Tristan had plenty he wanted to discuss but of course he picked and chose what he said to the man who had a big part of his life under control. He wanted to take Vienna away for christmas but it was too much. He knew that. He sighed "Sir. There is a lot to be discussed. But right now christmas is a time for family...."

Francesco nodded "I couldn't agree more. So let's not waste more time."

Tristan politely didn't argue and followed Francesco outside the room. He didn't mind. Francesco went towards his kitchen and Tristan stood outside.

Francesco saw his son eating soup alone. He had already greeted his son before when they had met up outside the house so he didn't bother with greetings. He asked "Where is your mother?"

Vincenzo looked up "She went to her room."

Francesco then left the kitchen.

Vincenzo went back to eat his soup but then halted when he heard footsteps. He turned around noticed who was standing in the door way. There he was Tristan standing tall and silent watching him curiously. He got off his seat and walked silently to Tristan staring at him. The two young men were having a staring contest there.

When Vincenzo reached Tristan he put his hands on either side of his head and kissed his forehead. He then pulled away. Tristan put his hand on his shoulder and then hugged Vincenzo gently.

Tristan whispered as he pulled away "You have arrived for the show time while everyone thinks you are here to visit family. Or rather should I say show down."

Vincenzo asked "I am sure you have pure intentions to just cut the turkey and rub shoulders with family members who call your father an Irish traitor. Surely you are not going to have no part in any chaos. Good for you."

Tristan said "I never claimed to be purely committed to family. I don't deny my future plans of domination. I show my dominance while you claim territory after territory. We need to get ready to do what we can before the changes in the 1980s throws more hurdles in our way. I am an opportunist like you but I bet you are here to enjoy victory in person. You don't even need to be here to lead what you have planned so why turn up? You have an underground alliance working with your grandpa. Why not let them run with your plans and not show up for Christmas?"

Vincenzo's expression became more serious "I am here for family Tristan. And as a matter of fact, we don't discuss such matters here. This is a friendly family gathering. I don't think I need to talk about it."

Tristan asked  "Who won't survive to see the new year amongst all those on your list? Who are you saving until after Christmas? Why over indulge in your revenge mission this Christmas?"

Just then Viggo made his presence known by coughing and walking past Tristan to enter the kitchen. He stood next to Vincenzo as he looked between his brother and Tristan "What's going on?"

Tristan turned to look at him "A lot will happen this Christmas Viggo. More than you think. Your brother has planned some fire works display this Christmas. It's all with the underground network his grandpa leads in New York. Lives will be destroyed."

Viggo was taken back as he looked at Tristan "What are you talking about?"

Tristan talked as he was staring at Vincenzo "Your brother's vendetta."

Viggo was surprised "Vendetta? What vendetta?"

Tristan stated "His vendetta that he has inherited from your grandpa Rosario. In New York, there is an underground network of black markets governed by various families. They did steal money from your grandpa years ago. Now he wants to collect his money with interest  that has piled up up over the years. If they don't pay up, your brother will destroy them. Their deadline is looming tonight actually. What happens after today is punishments given out by your brother."

Viggo asked "How do you know all this?"

Tristan said "Because your brother told me. He needed to use an area under my control for his possible plans. I said yes of course..."

Vincenzo said "I will try to keep out but it's not avoidable to use the harbour. It's mostly happening as a shipping and exports event." He then turned to his brother "Don't worry. I will invite you as an honorary guest to have a good seat when it's time for action. I won't make you feel left out. I was going to tell you about this but I guess Tristan thought it's better if it comes from him. He is considerate like that."

Viggo looked at his brother "Does father know?"

Vincenzo said "I told him on the way here everything he wanted to know about what I do."

Viggo said "But he doesn't know everything..."

Vincenzo said "He knows everything he asks me to disclose."

A Voice was heard from the corridor. Tristan said "We can discuss this later. This is too public."

Vincenzo asked "Oh. As though the kitchen wasn't a public enough place." He then rolled his eyes and went back to eating his soup while Tristan walked out to embrace Vienna "I have to go now... Is this ok?"

Vienna said "Cant you stay abit longer... You haven't even tasted my pastries yet..."

Tristan smiled "Save me some for tonight."

Vienna said "Ok. I will bring you a box of pastries tonight at the church for the Christmas service."

Tristan kissed her cheek "Take care Vienna."

Vienna kissed him back on his cheek and couldn't help chuckle at Tristan's modesty. When her father was back home and they were in the open, Tristan didnt do much more than just kissing her on the cheek. They were in the middle of the corridor and he could be watching them for all Tristan knew. Viggo was there watching them so it could be making a difference.

As Tristan pulled away he looked at Viggo "Lets walk me to the gate. We can talk about what we just discussed.

Viggo followed Tristan silently as Vienna watched them leave. Then, Vienna walked into the kitchen and saw her brother as he was seated behind the lunch table. She silently walked past him to the kitchen counter intending to decorate her pastries. As she picked up the sieve to sprinkle icing sugar, she noticed her brother walking to the cooker. He leaned to the kitchen counter as he opened one of the lids to the various pots and pans. He closed his eyes and inhaled the scent.

Vienna asked "Are you hungry?" She was wondering if he wanted food even though food was going to be served as soon as their guests were going to arrive shortly.

Vincenzo opened his eyes and said "No." He then closed the lid and opened the other one staring at the contents of the pot.

Vienna asked "What are you doing then?"

Vincenzo looked up at her "I am appreciating mother's cooking. In my life what her hand touches is precious to me. I am admiring her work and worshiping her commitment to this family and what she does for us."

Vienna was taken back as she heard that. She couldn't believe his words of admiration that sounded genuine. "Since when?" It had just slipped out. Normally she tried not to voice her criticism to Vincenzo because she never won an argument with him. 

Vincenzo frowned "What was that tone Vienna? What do you mean since when?"

Vienna said "Nothing." She then picked up the icing sugar packet up starting to sprinkle icing sugar on the pastries. She knew that tone. His attention was on her and she was hoping to find a way to avoid a confrontation.

Vincenzo said calmly "She is precious. I didn't like your tone Vienna just now. Don't question my loyalty to family ever again. You sounded surprised. I don't like that."

Vienna sighed "Well... You never like what I say." She looked up at her older brother "You don't exactly respect women..." She then took a step backward as her brother closed the lid and took a step towards her. "I respect my mother. I respect Terza. I respect you... Don't I Vienna? ... Also I do like to hear what you say. Otherwise I won't even talk to you. Don't you agree?"

Vienna was leaning to the kitchen counter facing her brother as he was now in front of her. He was looking into her eyes daring her to argue.

Vienna said "You broke our mother's heart. You chose Sicily over father. You should have declined their offer...."

Vincenzo said "That was no offer. That was a call of duty."

Vienna took a deep breath. "It did hurt our mother though."

Vincenzo then continued "I know it hurt our mother and I am not happy about that. I will fix it... one day. I promise"

Vienna said "Ok." She then expected for him to walk away... But he didnt as he stared into her eyes "Do you need anything?" She then side stepped him and walked back to the pastries to continue decorating them.

Vincenzo turned to her and watched her using icing sugar. He leaned to the kitchen counter as he spoke. "Well. I need you to be honest with me Vienna. This picture you are painting of yourself is misleading. You try to act it is all sweet like this icing sugar you are sprinkling over the pastries. You act like thats the most important event in your life when it actually isn't. What have you been hiding?"

Vienna froze and looked back at her brother "I am not hiding anything."

Vincenzo crossed his arms over his chest standing far away from her not wanting to intimidate her even though he could. He said "I think you are. You are hiding your true ambitions and real dreams you have. Your best friend is suddenly Reagan O'Reily of all the people. You suddenly get along with her when she is the most scheming and complicated females in her family. Its all good but... make sure you dont break any rules. Dont go on a rebellious spree. Father would condemn you to a distance learning program in college and would ground you if you break the rules. Not to mention the raging bull unleashing his wrath."

Vienna gasped "I am not intending to break the rules."

Vincenzo said "Really? Lets keep it that way. I know Reagan is part of various underground societies. She is not a normal girl. Dont let her drag you into her business without consultation."

Vienna said "I have no idea what you are talking about."