The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
248
Corleone lingered with the San Francisco Don after the meeting to thank him. Molinari 
said enough for Don Corleone to gather that Freddie had found his niche out there, was 
happy and had become something of a ladies’ man. He had a genius for running a hotel, 
it seemed. Don Corleone shook his head in wonder, as many fathers do when told of 
undreamed-of talents in their children. Wasn’t it true that sometimes the greatest 
misfortunes brought unforeseen rewards? They both agreed that this was so. 
Meanwhile Corleone made it clear to the San Francisco Don that he was in his debt for 
the great service done in protecting Freddie. He let it be known that his influence would 
be exerted so that the important racing wires would always be available to his people no 
matter what changes occurred in the power structure in the years to come, an important 
guarantee since the struggle over this facility was a constant open wound complicated 
by the fact that the Chicago people had their heavy hand in it. But Don Corleone was 
not without influence even in that land of barbarians and so his promise was a gift of 
gold. 
It was evening before Don Corleone, Tom Hagen and the bodyguard-chauffeur, who 
happened to be Rocco Lampone, arrived at the mall in Long Beach. When they went 
into the house the Don said to Hagen, “Our driver, that man Lampone, keep an eye on 
him. He’s a fellow worth something better I think.” Hagen wondered at this remark. 
Lampone had not said a word all day, had not even glanced at the two men in the back 
seat. He had opened the door for the Don, the car had been in front of the bank when 
they emerged, he had done everything correctly but no more than any well-trained 
chauffeur might do. Evidently the Don’s eye had seen something he had not seen. 
The Don dismissed Hagen and told him to come back to the house after supper. But to 
take his time and rest a little since they would put in a long night of discussion. He also 
told Hagen to have Clemenza and Tessio present. They should come at ten P.M., not 
before. Hagen was to brief Clemenza and Tessio on what had happened at the meeting 
that afternoon. 
At ten the Don was waiting for the three men in his office, the corner room of the house 
with its law library and special phone. There was a tray with whiskey bottles, ice and 
soda water. The Don gave his instructions. 
“We made the peace this afternoon,” he said. “I gave my word and my honor and that 
should be enough for all of you. But our friends are not so trustworthy so let’s all be on 
our guard still. We don’t want any more nasty little surprises.” Then Don turned to 
Hagen. “You’ve let the Bocchicchio hostages go?” 

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