Amethyst was sitting next to the window of the ground floor lobby at the O'Neil mansion. Her eyes were to the gates. She just wanted to see someone come in with news of her mother being safe. She knew that could be hours away or heavens forbid it could never come.

Sancia Giovanni walked past and said "Darling. Why don't you come get some breakfast. Your uncle Ambrogio said you have eaten nothing since last night."

Amethyst kept looking outside "I am fine Ms Giovanni. Thank you."

Sancia stopped a few steps behind her "Darling. You are not even meant to know what has happened. You only know because Trent overheard my husband talking to his men about it."

Amethyst was glad Trent had found out. He had tried to contact her only to trace her to New York and Ambrogio Voltolini's business office. That was where Andreas and her were meant to be on a secret day trip from Italy. They had just arrived last night and were due to go back after their uncle Ambrogio finished his business. The location where her brother and Amethyst were at all times was determined by their father. They went on secret trips. They relocated for different reasons and told no one. When their father went on business trips the entire family did too at times depending on her father's decision. Andreas and her were meant to stay in Milan but uncle Ambrogio got permission for travel across Atlantic. Her uncle Ambrogio's operator had only told Trent because he was an O'Neil. Despite her father not liking the O'Neil's they were on good business relations and high trust levels.

Amethyst turned to Sancia Giovanni "But I do know what's happened. I can't overlook the fact that my mother could now be suffering."

Sancia rolled her eyes "Your mother can handle it darling. She chose to leave the care of her body guards. She got abducted. I don't wish to say your mother is to blame but evidence says it loud and clear. Your mother is at fault for her situation as she did not take security measures seriously. Now there will be consequences."

Amethyst said "I know. It still hurts."

Sancia said "You sitting next to the window won't bring any news darling. Come get some breakfast. I am sure if there is news Trent will call you."

Amethyst looked outside "How likely is it that ... my mother doesn't come back?"

Sancia said "Quite unlikely darling. She won't be killed. No one has anything to gain by killing your mother. But darling it's your father who can be a target. It is likely he is in danger. You are now old enough to understand that."

Amethyst nodded sadly "I am worried for my mother more."

Sancia said "Why darling? She won't die. She is in the least danger in your family. You are in more danger actually and so is your brother. I don't know what Ambrogio is thinking dragging your brother around in the open knowing the danger he could be in."

Amethyst looked at Sancia "Why didn't you allow me to go with Andreas? You could convince uncle Ambrogio. You let Clarissa go with Trent."

Sancia said "Darling. I need you to understand this. Sometimes staying safe is bigger help. If your father worried where you are then it won't help anyone's case. But you are right sweetie. I could convince your uncle Ambrogio. I know you don't like to hear it. But what happened to you and the coma history made me be cautious. Your mother took chances on your life once. I can't do it twice."

Amethyst didn't like to be reminded of her health history. She was fine now. She had recovered but her father hadn't. Her father was sensitive about her safety. Even if Andreas did the slightest thing that was a threat to her like throwing a ball at her, he was dealt with in the most extreme way by her father. Her father was always a controlling disciplinarian but his protectiveness of her just was excessive. Trent was naturally cautious and gentle so he never got into trouble. But Andreas was quite an aggressive risk taker as he was growing older and nothing deterred him. He treated her like the baby sister he liked to tease and annoy no matter how many times he got told off for it.

Amethyst sighed "Yes. I understand that. I don't wish to cause any trouble for you. You are right. It's best if it's known where I am at all times. If anything happens to me my father will be very cross."

Sancia said "Sweetie. It's not just your father who will be cross as well. I am pretty sure your uncle Francesco will be even more cross which I would like to avoid at all costs."

Amethyst said "I am not sure if that's even possible. How can any one be more cross than my father?"

Sancia said "I assure you. It is possible. I don't wish to find out... Let's go sweetie."

Amethyst turned around as she heard cars pulling in "Is that Vienna?"  She smiled as she saw her cousin and ran to the exit.

Vienna gasped as she saw amethyst.

Amethyst ran towards the car and as Vienna got off, she embraced her.

Vienna rubbed circles on her cousins back "Oh dear lord. What a surprise. It's good to see you are safe and well."

Tristan cleared his throat "She seems safe and well. Now she better explain why she is here." He then slightly pulled on Vienna's elbow.

Vienna got the message Tristan didn't like to be ignored. She broke apart from amethyst.

Amethyst said "I can explain..."

Tristan looked past amethyst "Actually better yet. My mother can explain what you are doing here in the middle of the chaos when you are meant to be in Milan."

Sancia walked slowly towards Tristan "Why are you here Tristan?"

Tristan said "I am on my way to meet father. He wanted to talk to me in person since he didn't agree with my plans for rescuing Anna Rosario. Father said you know as much as he does so I don't need to explain more. Now tell me mother. Why is amethyst here when she is meant to be safe in Milan?"

Sancia said "Ambrogio arranged a day trip for the kids he was baby sitting I suppose. The trip was meant to keep them entertained and be educational at the same time. He said he got permission."

Tristan shook his head "I don't like this. Where is Trent."

Sancia said "Your guess is as good as mine. He is either with Andreas and his uncle Ambrogio or he is with your father."

Tristan said "I didn't expect this. So many parties are involved and we are all scattered."

Sancia said "You couldn't make a better plan even if you tried. Your father calls it the river dance technique. Everyone is spread out like the waves of a river dance and they all play their own rhythm. Welcome to the race to kill your uncle Jackson son. May the fastest sniper win."

Tristan stared at his mother for a few seconds "Mother. What do you mean?"

Sancia said " Andreas. He is out in the field. He will aim to shoot Jackson O'Kane from a distance. Even if you catch him alive to put him on trial. Not everyone welcomes the O'Kane way."

Tristan said "I will find him. He can't do this. This is not his decision. My uncle needs to stand trial to answer for what he has done. Death is not always what puts an end to one's actions. Death certainly won't stop my uncle Jackson. He must have planned it. Arturo Agostini is walking into a trap. I know he is. I need to find the trap or get it out of my uncle ... unless Andreas kills my uncle before I can do that." He then shook his head as he turned to amethyst who was silently listening standing next to Vienna. He said "Your brother is a good sniper. But my uncle is a good tactician. Is your brother good at playing chess?"

Amethyst said "Not that I know of..."

Tristan said "My Uncle is." He then turned to his mother "I have to go. Keep Vienna safe here."

Vienna said "I won't try leaving."

Tristan warmed his mother "Mother don't let her out of your sight." He then turned around not waiting for answer. He walked straight to Vienna and kissed her lips gently. He then whispered "If you cause trouble Vienna, I will not let it slide easily. Remember that." He then walked to his car.

Amethyst asked "Why does he threaten you like this? You never put a foot wrong."

Vienna said "I told him in the car that I can't be stopped if I want to be out there."

Tristan opened the door to the car "Vienna. Stay here." He then got in the car. "Vienna if you leave this house without my approval ... I won't forget it and won't let you forget it."

Vienna said "I know. You will make me remember the lesson you teach me..." She then whispered "You are a ..." she stopped herself noticing he rolling down the window. She couldn't curse him even without him noticing. He was way too observant.