The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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and said, “That’s like bringing a guy up from the minors to pitch the World Series.” 
Sonny broke in curtly, “It has to be Mike. For a million different reasons. Most important 
they got him down as faggy. And he can do the job, I guarantee that, and that’s 
important because this is the only shot we’ll get at that sneaky bastard Turk. So now we 
have to figure out the best way to back him up. Tom, Clemenza, Tessio, find out where 
Sollozzo will take him for the conference, I don’t care how much it costs. When we find 
that out we can figure out how we can get a weapon into his hands. Clemenza, I want 
you to get him a really ‘safe’ gun out of your collection, the ‘coldest’ one you got. 
Impossible to trace. Try to make it short barrel with a lot of blasting power. It doesn’t 
have to be accurate. He’ll be right on top of them when he uses it. Mike, as soon as 
you’ve used the gun, drop it on the floor. Don’t be caught with it on you. Clemenza, tape 
the barrel and the trigger with that special stuff you got so he won’t leave prints. 
Remember, Mike, we can square everything, witnesses, and so forth, but if they catch 
you with the gun on you we can’t square that. We’ll have transportation and protection 
and then we’ll make you disappear for a nice long vacation until the heat wears off. 
You’ll be gone a long time, Mike, but I don’t want you saying good-bye to your girl friend 
or even calling her. After it’s all over and you’re out of the country I’ll send her word that 
you’re OK. Those are orders.” Sonny smiled at his brother. “Now stick with Clemenza 
and get used to handling the gun he picks out for you. Maybe even practice a little. We’ll 
take care of everything else. Everything. OK, kid?” 
Again Michael Corleone felt that delicious refreshing chilliness all over his body. He said 
to his brother, “You didn’t have to give me that crap about not talking to my girl friend 
about something like this. What the hell did you think I was going to do, call her up to 
say good-bye?” 
Sonny said hastily, “OK, but you’re still a rookie so I spell things out. Forget it.” 
Michael said with a grin, “What the hell do you mean, a rookie? I listened to the old man 
just as hard as you did. How do you think I got so smart?” They both laughed. 
Hagen poured drinks for everyone. He looked a little glum. The statesman forced to go 
to war, the lawyer forced to go to law. “Well, anyway, now we know what we’re going to 
do,” he said.