Gianluca and Gabriella had reached their destination. They had parked their car on the street and were now walking towards the building where the meeting was going to be held at. The building was very tall. It looked like both a residential and business building. It looked luxurious with nice glass windows. Unlike where the Italians had picked for a meet up, this place was surrounded by busy streets and nice city lights. The building had a car park and an entrance gate with security.

Gabriella turned to Gianluca as they were walking towards the gate's direction"How are we going to get in?"

Gianluca said "There are a few options... The first option is for me to use force and knock out the security and get us... That could trigger an deeper crisis if an Italian stirs a chaotic scene at an all Irish meeting about a mob war with the Italians but we can get to see Christian... "

Gabriella said "That is the worst option possible... You cant knock out guards and raise alarms. A war could happen and an Italian being spotted uninvited can trigger a crisis within itself..."

Gianluca said "The second option is if we sneak in which is risky but a better option than the next one... I need to climb the wall and hope no one sees me..."

Gabriella asked "What's the third option?"

Gianluca said "We go to the gate and ask to see Christian..."

Gabriella said "And then alert the whole place to our presence. That's a terrible option..."

Gianluca said "It is the best option... Because the Kavannagh personnel are at the door right now..."

Gabriela said "What? How do you know?"

Gianluca said "When a crime family enters. their personnel takes over the gate security and also they have patrols everywhere to make sure they have safety in hand... Christian has entered the building with his personnel. His people will be controlling the gate for a while. So we will just ask and they let us in..."

Gabriella said "How do you know all this?"

Gianluca said "I saw their patrol cars around. Right now it's their time slot allocated to them only it seems. I guess we are lucky..."

Gabriella could not believe how easily they had managed to get into the building. The Kavannagh personnel had not asked questions. They lead him and Gianluca to the elevators and had told them which floor and which room was where Christian was staying at... There was some time left before midnight so each family was allocated a floor to rest in and settle for the night. The meeting was at the back of the building on the ground floor apparently where corridors were guarded by various people from various families. If Christian had already gone to that place there was no way they could get through. It was lucky they had an hour left until midnight and start of the meeting.

In the elevator, Gianluca and Gabriella were alone.

As the elevator was going up, Gabriella asked "Do you think his vote will be war?"

Gianluca said "I dont know... That's why we are here... I cant always figure out Christian... There are some thoughts that he would never share with me especially when it comes to his views on business related matters... He is mysterious sometimes... I can not read his mind. I just know having the deciding vote is not an easy decision regardless. The fate of so many rests on him and the future of Irish Italian business relations in this city all depends on him at the time that business is booming for everyone in post war New York. This is the 1950s, a time for unity and hope... Not war.... I really hope he doesn't go for war..."

Gabriella smiled sadly at Gianluca. She could tell from Gianluca's tone that he was not sure if he could change the outcome of this vote. But they were here to try.

Gianluca sighed "Christian is... complicated... He is very independent and stubborn. If he wants something done, he gets it done and nothing stops him.."

Gabriella said "Sounds familiar... I think he is a lot like you. Nothing stops you and gets in your way..."

When they reached the door of Christian's room, Gianluca turned to Gabriella "We take turns talking to him... We have to convince him that he has a lot more to gain with a peace vote than a vote for war..."

Gianluca knocked on the door and waited. But no response came. He knocked again. But no response again. He tried opening the door and it worked. The door was open. Gianluca turned to Gabriella "Let's go in... This is it..."

Gianluca and Gabriella walked in. The room was dimly lit and the sound of the music was coming. A music record was playing by a gramophone that was in the corner. They saw no sign of Christian. But there was wind blowing inside the room and moving the curtains that covered the glass doors of the balcony. It meant he may have been in the balcony.

Christian was leaning to the glass windows of the balcony of his room with his hands in the pockets of his long coat. He was looking at the surroundings. It looked peaceful. It looked calm. It was the calm before the storm.

Christian took a deep breath. He closed his eyes as he was standing leaning to the glass windows. Christian then heard his name being called. He opened his eyes. He came face to face with non other than Gianluca. He said in his almost playful tone "Is it my eyes playing tricks on me you are actually here?"

Gianluca said "Christian... I am so glad to see you..."

Christian said "So... You are actually here and its not my sleepless nights finally catching up with me... I haven't slept properly in the past few nights... Who can sleep when there is a twist in the crisis of New York gangs..." Christian then shook his head as he was looking into his best friend's eyes. He narrowed his eyes "I told my people I do not want any visitors."

Gianluca said "I know. They told me...." He almost said "they told us." But he stopped himself. Gabriela had decided to stay away in the last minute. She was inside the room behind the curtains of the window.... She was hiding in some ways. She had said she wanted Gianluca to talk to Christian first. Then she could try if it was needed.

The truth was Gabriella had missed Christian. She didn't trust herself not to jump and hug him. How could that look? They were in the middle of a crisis and she was happy to see him. She needed to compose herself as she was nervous too. She was listening to what was happening on the balcony.

Christian said to Gianluca "Why did you show up here Gianluca? This is not the best time to hang out... You shouldn't have come here. I can't believe your people allowed you to come here into the heart of this region that's very hostile for an Italian..."

Gianluca said "No one allowed me to come. I came without permission. No one at home knows I am here..."

Christian said "You have done what? So no one knows you are here? What you have done is risky..."

Gianluca said "I know its risky. But since when do I care? Since when do you care? Your calm voice tells me you don't care either..."

Christian said "I don't have time to care about anything Gianluca... I only have time to act... Now. Tell me why are you here?"

Gianluca said "I think you must have some idea why I am here... You have a deciding vote tonight in a very important meeting. I am here to talk to you to convince you to not be tempted to vote for war no matter what they tell you in that meeting... I want you to think about what peace can achieve when you go in there and both sides tell you their arguments..."

Christian said "This is quite alarming how much you know about what's happening on the Irish side Gianluca... There is no point to have this conversation... You have wasted a trip..."

Gabriela was warned about such interaction by Gianluca. He had warned her that if Christian was doing business he wasn't going to be his cheerful friendly self that Gabriela knew from school. When he was in serious business mode he was a different person. Colder. More mysterious. And his tone had a calm but dangerous edge to it. This was his business side. His nicer business side in fact since he was talking to his best friend. He was apparently very stubborn and hard to get through when he was in business mode. His cold voice was intimidating.

Gianluca said "Christian. I didn't come all the way here to get a quick dismissal from you... I want you to hear me... We need to talk..."

Christian said "We can talk... But why do we need to talk about tonight's meeting? I really don't wish to discuss anything about tonight's voting with you...But we can talk about anything else. Why not?"

Gianluca said "Christian. This is important. You have many lives in your hands. The fate of so many families rests on your shoulders..."

Christian said "Who's fault is that?"

Gabriella had no idea how her and Gianluca could get Christian to agree with them here. He sounded very cold. Obviously he had other ideas. It was not easy to get through to him according to Gianluca if Christian had made up his mind already but it was not impossible. She was not optimistic at all. The direction of conversation was going the wrong way.

Gianluca said "I know you might think war is the only way... But it isn't. Revenge is not the only way..."

Christian said "I am after justice."

Gianluca said "In a war innocents and the guilty will burn together."

Christian said "My parents and uncle were innocent... They were murdered in a cowardly fashion and that left me to grow up with only one blood relative to raise me.... They tried it again Gianluca... They broke the peace again... They went against treaties and they planned to abduct and then lead it all to a crisis that could give them an excuse to kill... It could continue... Where would they stop?'

Gianluca shook his head "Christian... I know you wouldn't want me to talk about peace but I am here to try... Please dont vote for war... There are people who would honour peace... I assure you..."

Christian said "Are you sure about that? You can't say that you are sure. Can you? Does this word, peace really exists for the Italians?.... They keep breaking their word and the peace. What's the point of having peace if the Italians are going to break it..."

Gabriella's heart was breaking and hurting for Christian. She had no idea. But he didn't say any of the words with pain or any emotion. He had learnt to stop showing emotions of grief. He was talking like he was discussing any other topic that made it sound abit chilling. He had deep anger inside him. Gabriela could feel it.

Gianluca spoke calmly and cautiously. "Look. Not every Italian wants war. Some of us want peace... I want peace..."

Christian said "It's not about you Gianluca. Don't try to give excuses for the cowardly acts by Italians. I don't care any way. I honestly don't. I am here to cast a vote. Then I need to get back to Boston to the Armstrong family and more mentoring with my uncle Artan. I would stay in Boston until my grandpa returns from his lengthy business trip. So when you leave I won't see you for a while.... Are you done?"

Gianluca said "Christian. You need to choose peace. War will not change anything. There is only death in war."

Christian sighed. He just stared at Gianluca.

Gianluca said "Don't do this... Don't be tempted to take revenge this way... Revenge won't change anything..."

Christian said "I know. I know revenge won't bring my parents back. I know revenge won't bring my uncle back. I have no intention of taking revenge Gianluca. This is about justice... I want justice..."

Gianluca said "If you vote for war you will be acting to take revenge..."

Christian said "Or I will be just doing my duty as a Kavannagh."

Gianluca shook his head "Christian. You can make your own destiny. You don't have to listen to anyone about what they think you should or should not be... You don't have to feel pressured to vote yes to war... You have a choices ..."

Christian said "The Kavannaghs must not show mercy to the enemy... That is what I have been taught all my life Gianluca...."

Gianluca said "No one wins in a war... Please don't feel that war is the only way.... You can do the right thing.... You can choose peace..."

Christian said "Maybe in this case I don't agree with you."

Gianluca said "I refuse to believe it... That's not you... Why would you want to do this? Why would you vote for war?"

Christian said "It is not about me Gianluca and what I want... Its about what I need to do as a Kavannagh... This is business decision Gianluca..."

Gianluca breathed "Its your grandpa's decision... Isn't it? He wants war..."

Christian said "I told you this is a business decision. .... Its not a personal decision... My grandpa would make a decision with a business mind in this situation... In this recent crisis, no one has messed with the Kavannaghs ... All these families today in this meeting have become united to make a choice to either forgive and forget or fight back to show the Italians that actions have consequences. You are familiar with the cowardly tactics of those three Italian families. Benzonis, Etoris and Enricis. They acted like cowards plotting to overthrow their neighbouring Irish rivals. They must pay from the eyes our allies. My grandpa won't fight a war that's not his unless the reasons are justified. In this case the evidence is overwhelming that voting for war is justified from where my grandpa stands because all our allies want it."

Gianluca said "Please make a decision that you really want to make... Not a decision that you are expected to make... Your grandpa is not making the decision tonight. You are... He is not here to interfere and take back your vote..."

Christian said "He wouldn't interfere even if he was here... Why would he? If I give a good reason for why I voted the way I did and everyone accept my vote gladly then my grandpa won't object. Why would he? He would welcome a decision that has convinced others in this situation... You see I wont be going in that meeting to just vote yes or no. This is a deciding vote... It means I must justify why I voted the way I did. It's not easy to justify a vote for peace Gianluca tonight. Its not easy but possible... Nothing is impossible in this world..."

Gianluca was searching Christian's eyes. Was he hinting his vote was for peace? This last sentence of Christian reminded him of the old times with Christian... Nothing is impossible was always their way to go... It was part of what formed their friendship. It was a line that they kept reminding each other of... Gianluca asked in a low tone sounding unsure "So do you actually want to vote for peace or war?"

Christian said "I want to vote for war... How can I not?... But.... there is something stopping me... There is a reason for me to vote for peace... I have arguments ready for both votes... I know what to say to convince everyone in either case... No one will object. My grandpa would be satisfied with my vote either way... Because everyone would accept it by the time I finish the speech to defend my vote... Gianluca ... You keep saying I should not vote for war... But a real war is inside me... My mind says I must vote for war... My heart tells me I should vote for peace..."

Gianluca said "Christian... Please... Try to stop the war... Avoid the bloodshed of innocents..."

Christian said "Gianluca... I need time to decide and think...I need to know if my heart wins or my brain... Now if you excuse me I now have 5 minutes less than before to find a solution to ensure justice is served but in ways that goes with my principles. We can catch up later... I need to focus and think..." He then closed his eyes as he was leaning to the glass doors of balcony with his hands deep into his pockets "Let me have some thinking time. I have not decided Gianluca.... I dont know what my vote will be... I will decide by midnight when its time to attend the meeting..."

Gianluca was staring at Christian not sure what to think. How could he convince Christian to vote for peace?

Gianluca said after a minute of silence that went by between them "Christian... What if you cant decide.... Then maybe you wont go... What if you don't go... Who will cast the deciding vote?"

Christian opened his eyes "It's not that simple. I can't not go. I have to go... This place is surrounded by guards to accompany me there. I can try to delay the vote but if I don't go they will bring the voting here. They will send a few witnesses from senior heads of families and record my vote. It's inevitable. I can run away and disappear for a while to delay the vote and buy some time but then my guards will be punished. My grandpa is not around but his underbosses are. I have a pretty good idea some will be punished quite severely if I go missing. I can't do that to my people. I fight my own fights. I don't need my people to suffer for my choices..."

Gianluca asked "Christian... You can fix this crisis without loss of life if you vote for peace... It would be a fresh start...

Christian said "That is all you want... Saving innocent lives. You come here with your peace envoy to campaign for peace... You said what you wanted to say... Maybe go wait with your peace envoy and leave me in peace to concentrate... I cant think straight when you are bombarding me with words I do not wish to hear..."

Gianluca said "My peace envoy?"

Christian rolled his eyes "Oh please. You actually don't think I didn't detect you when your car pulled around here? But no. You found your way here... You forget I study astronomy and there is no new high range telescope or brand new long range camera that I don't own... I knew you were here... I saw your car and you behind the wheel but didn't catch the person next to you who was hidden behind a some giant paper like a map or something... I didn't bother to check again... I knew you would find your way here but not this soon."

Gianluca said "Christian... I am here as part of a peace envoy as you call it... I am here to remind you that war is not the only option... You can use diplomacy to find solutions... Nothing good comes out of tension, machine guns and terror ... It would lead to more loss of lives and more revenge missions..."

Christian said "Gianluca. Peace treaties with Italians can lead to war anyways... They keep breaking the peace and their word..."

Gianluca shook his head "No one wants war amongst the Italians... I went to the meeting with all heads of powerful families. They were all against breaking the peace.... That should show something to you... Not one was happy about the crisis. They all wanted peace..."

Christian said "I do not trust their words... You do... I have no reason to... Why would I? Their word means nothing to me... I feel nothing for the enemies except hate... There is one thing on my mind that makes me stop myself from voting yes to war... Otherwise I would have voted yes to war in a heart beat... I would have voted yes and would gladly had been on the frontline getting justice for my loved ones that I lost and all recent victims of the crisis that the Italians created in the most cowardly fashion... But I have one reason not to... One reason that stops me..."

Gianluca asked "What is that reason?"

Christian took a deep breath and said "The girl I love... If it wasn't for my feelings for the girl I love, I would not have been thinking of voting yes or no to war. I would have voted yes to war in a heartbeat... No thoughts... No doubts..."