Vincenzo's Territory (Book 7)

7. Pressure

It was early morning. Stefano Rosario was sitting behind his desk on one of the top floors of a skyscraper in New York that belonged to the Rosario enterprises. He had been working well though the night after returning from Tristan O'Neil's house. He had been communicating back and forth with Sicily via fax. Now he was sitting and sipping from his coffee cup and reading through new faxes that were just being received from Vitale. 

Stefano was the son of Costanzo Rosario and Viggo Rosario's cousin. He was the top advisor and lawyer and top economist of the Rosario family who worked only for the Rosario enterprises despite getting job offers on daily basis from top firms around the country. He was confident in his capabilities but he knew he had to prepare well and advise his cousin Viggo wisely. Any mistake could be costly since they were dealing with an unreadable business mastermind called Tristan O'Neil. Tristan was not happy with the response by Vincenzo and he could unleash his wrath in any way any time. They needed to be prepared to defend and strike when needed.

The door opened and Alexander Rosario came in. He was the son of Antonio Rosario who was Stefano's father's cousin. They were like brothers on many levels. But they were completely different. Alexander was like his father. He was a man of action and Viggo's trusted underboss who was perfect for any defence and offence. He was trained to be a good strategist and use violence when needed with maximum effect.

Stefano raised an eyebrow "Where is Viggo?"

Alexander entered "He is busy making arrangements. He might go to Sicily...."

Stefano gasped "What? Are you joking?"

Alexander shrugged and sat down opposite Stefano's desk "I wish I was... He wants to leave..."

Stefano said "Vitale's faxes haven't mentioned that..."

Alexander said "It is Viggo's decision... He has not consulted Vincenzo on this... Viggo thinks its best for both personal and business reasons he visits Sicily with his family... Vincenzo was meant to come... He goes now... From how Viggo sees it, Tristan may strike us with boycott, attacks or any means necessary to weaken the Rosarios to show his disapproval and mount pressure... But Rosarios should not surrender and should not act like Tristan has already won..."

Stefano said "But Tristan will win if Viggo leaves... We need him at this time that the actions of the O'Neils is unpredictable. Tristan is going to retaliate until we give in and give him a deal on his terms..."

Alexander sighed "Viggo is fully aware of the risks... I am now coming from a long meeting with him... He knows the wrath of Tristan will have no bounds... But he believes its best to not give Tristan the satisfaction of knowing we cancel our family plans for his demands... Viggo still will visit Vincenzo. A family get together and a business convention.... That leaves you and me to have a face off Tristan in New York... And Vincenzo will reach out to New York and retaliate every time Tristan strikes the Rosarios..."

Stefano shook his head "We could avoid this all so easily... How much preparation does Viggo expect us to do?"

Alexander said "Maximum level..."

Stefano said "What? We prepare for war? Yet Viggo leaves when we need him? He is the boss... You are his underboss. Men take orders from you but Viggo has resources and access neither of us has..."

Alexander said " I know... He is the blood of Francesco Rosario... Neither of us can fill the void... But I count on you to give me advice to deflect the attacks from the O'Neils..."

Stefano nodded "I cant believe Viggo is leaving New York. When is he flying?"

Alexander said "He will speak with Vincenzo after he finishes his own preparations... It could be today or tomorrow or later... He will contact Vincenzo...  Dont worry about telling Vitale about it... You carry on communicating with Vitale about what we do to prepare and what we might need..."