The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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apprenticeship in the Family. During the war he had been wounded in Africa and been 
discharged in 1943. Because of the shortage of young men, Clemenza had taken him 
on even though Lampone was partially incapacitated by his injuries and walked with a 
pronounced limp. Clemenza had used him as a black-market contact in the garment 
center and with government employees controlling OPA food stamps. From that, 
Lampone had graduated to trouble-shooter for the whole operation. What Clemenza 
liked about him was his good judgment. He knew that there was no percentage in being 
tough about something that would only cost a heavy fine or six months in jail, small 
prices to pay for the enormous profits earned. He had the good sense to know that it 
was not an area for heavy threats but light ones. He kept the whole operation in a minor 
key, which was exactly what was needed. 
Clemenza felt the relief of a conscientious administrator who has solved a knotty 
personnel problem. Yes, it would be Rocco Lampone who would assist. For Clemenza 
planned to handle this job himself, not only to help a new, inexperienced man “make his 
bones,” but to settle a personal score with Paulie Gatto. Paulie had been his protege, he 
had advanced Paulie over the heads of more deserving and more loyal people, he had 
helped Paulie “make his bones” and furthered his career in every way. Paulie had not 
only betrayed the Family, he had betrayed his padrone, Peter Clemenza. This lack of 
respect had to be repaid. 
Everything else was arranged. Paulie Gatto had been instructed to pick him up at three 
in the afternoon, and to pick him up with his own car, nothing hot. Now Clemenza took 
up the telephone and dialed Rocco Lampone’s number. He did not identify himself. He 
simply said, “Come to my house, I have an errand for you.” He was pleased to note that 
despite the early hour, Lampone’s voice was not surprised or dazed with sleep and he 
simply said, “OK.” Good man. Clemenza added, “No rush, have your breakfast and 
lunch first before you come see me. But not later than two in the afternoon.” 
There was another laconic OK on the other end and Clemenza hung up the phone. He 
had already alerted his people about replacing caporegime Tessio’s people in the 
Corleone mall so that was done. He had capable subordinates and never interfered in a 
mechanical operation of that kind. 
He decided to wash his Cadillac. He loved the car. It gave him such a quiet peaceful 
ride, and its upholstery was so rich that he sometimes sat in it for an hour when the 
weather was good because it was more pleasant than sitting in the house. And it always 
helped him think when he was grooming the car. He remembered his father in Italy 

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