The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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committed and then he can undergo the necessary psychiatric treatment.” 
There was a knock on the door and Johnny went to answer it. It was Lucy Mancini. She 
came into Johnny’s arms and kissed him. “Oh, Johnny, it’s so good to see you,” she 
said. 
“It’s been a long time,” Johnny Fontane said. He noticed that Lucy had changed. She 
had gotten much slimmer, her clothes were a hell of a lot better and she wore them 
better. Her hair style fitted her face in a sort of boyish cut. She looked younger and 
better than he had ever seen her and the thought crossed his mind that she could keep 
him company here is Vegas. It would be a pleasure hanging out with a real broad. But 
before he could turn on the charm he remembered she was the doc’s girl. So it was out. 
He made his smile just friendly and said, “What are you doing coming to Nino’s 
apartment at night, eh?” 
She punched him in the shoulder. “I heard Nino was sick and that Jules came up. I just 
wanted to see if I could help. Nino’s OK, isn’t he?” 
“Sure,” Johnny said. “He’ll be fine.” 
Jules Segal had sprawled out on the couch. “Like hell he is,” Jules said. “I suggest we 
all sit here and wait for Nino to come to. And then we all talk him into committing 
himself. Lucy, he likes you, maybe you can help. Johnny, if you’re a real friend of his 
you’ll go along. Otherwise old Nino’s liver will shortly be exhibit A in some university 
medical lab.” 
Johnny was offended by the doctor’s flippant attitude. Who the hell did he think he was? 
He started to say so but Nino’s voice came from the bed, “Hey, old buddy, how, about a 
drink. 
Nino was sitting up in bed. He grinned at Lucy and said, “Hey, baby, come to old Nino.” 
He held his arms wide-open. Lucy sat on the edge of the bed and gave him a hug. 
Oddly enough Nino didn’t look bad at all now, almost normal. 
Nino snapped his fingers. “Come on, Johnny, gimme a drink. The night’s young yet. 
Where the hell’s my blackjack table?” 
Jules took a long slug from his own glass and said to Nino, “You can’t have a think. Your 
doctor forbids it.” 
Nino scowled. “Screw my actor.” Then a play-acting look of contrition came on his face. 
“Hey, Julie, that’s you. You’re my doctor, right? I don’t mean you, old buddy. Johnny, get 

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