The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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Tessio and Clemenza. But, Carlo, I don’t want you to worry about your job. You grew up 
in Nevada, you know the state, you know the people. I’m counting on you being my 
right-hand man when we make our move out there.” 
Carlo leaned back, his face flushed with gratification. His time was coming, he would 
move in the constellations of power. 
Michael went on. “Tom Hagen is no longer the Consigliere. He’s going to be our lawyer 
in Vegas. In about two months he’ll move out there permanently with his family. Strictly 
as a lawyer. Nobody goes to him with any other business as of now, this minute. He’s a 
lawyer and that’s all. No reflection on Tom. That’s the way I want it. Besides, if I ever 
need any advice, who’s a better counselor than my father?” They all laughed. But they 
had gotten the message despite the joke. Tom Hagen was out; he no longer held any 
power. They all took their fleeting glances to check Hagen’s reaction but his face was 
impassive. 
Clemenza spoke up in his fat man’s wheeze. “Then in a year’s time we’re on our own, is 
that it?” 
“Maybe less,” Michael said courteously. “Of course you can always remain part of the 
Family, that’s your choice. But most of our strength will be out West and maybe you’d do 
better organized on your own.” 
Tessio said quietly, “In that case I think you should give us permission to recruit new 
men for our regimes. Those Barzini bastards keep chiseling in on my territory. I think 
maybe it would be wise to teach them a little lesson in manners.” 
Michael shook his head. “No. No good. Just stay still. All that stuff will be negotiated, 
everything will be straightened out before we leave.” 
Tessio was not to be so easily satisfied. He spoke to the Don directly, taking a chance 
on incurring Michael’s ill will. “Forgive me, Godfather, let our years of friendship be my 
excuse. But I think you and your son are all wrong with this Nevada business. How can 
you hope for success there without your strength here to back you up? The two go hand 
in hand. And with you gone from here the Barzini and the Tattaglia will be too strong for 
us. Me and Pete will have trouble, we’ll come under their thumb sooner or later. And 
Barzini is a man not to my taste. I say the Corleone Family has to make its move from 
strength, not from weakness. We should build up our regimes and take back our lost 
territories in Staten Island at least.” 
The Don shook his head. “I made the peace, remember, I can’t go back on my word.” 

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