The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
30
hour after that.” That reminded him of something else. “Your new son-in-law. Do we give 
him something important, inside the Family?” 
He was surprised at the vehemence of the Don’s answer. “Never.” The Don hit the desk 
with the flat of his hand. “Never. Give him something to earn his living, a good living. But 
never let him know the Family’s business. Tell the others, Sonny, Fredo, Clemenza.” 
The Don paused. “Instruct my sons, all three of them, that they will accompany me to 
the hospital to see poor Genco. I want them to pay their last respects. Tell Freddie to 
drive the big car and ask Johnny if he will come with us, as a special favor to me.” He 
saw Hagen look at him questioningly. “I want you to go to California tonight. You won’t 
have time to go see Genco. But don’t leave until I come back from the hospital and 
speak with you. Understood?” 
“Understood,” Hagen said. “What time should Fred have the car waiting?” 
“When the guests have left,” Don Corleone said. “Genco will wait for me.” 
“The Senator called,” Hagen said. “Apologizing for not coming personally but that you 
would understand. He probably means those two FBI men across the street taking down 
license numbers. But he sent his gift over by special messenger.” 
The Don nodded. He did not think it necessary to mention that he himself had warned 
the Senator not to come. “Did he send a nice present?” 
Hagen made a face of impressed approval that was very strangely Italian on his 
German-Irish features. “Antique silver, very valuable. The kids can sell it for a grand at 
least. The Senator spent a lot of time getting exactly the right thing. For those kind of 
people that’s more important than how much it costs.” 
Don Corleone did not hide his pleasure that so great a man as the Senator had shown 
him such respect. The Senator, like Luca Brasi, was one of the great stones in the Don’s 
power structure, and he too, with this gift, had resworn his loyalty. 
* * * 
When Johnny Fontane appeared in the garden, Kay Adams recognized him 
immediately. She was truly surprised. “You never told me your family knew Johnny 
Fontane,” she said. “Now I’m sure I’ll marry you.” 
“Do you want to meet him?” Michael asked. 
“Not now,” Kay said. She sighed. “I was in love with him for three years. I used to come 

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