The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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Greene will sell us his interest so it can be wholly owned by friends of the Family.” 
Freddie’s moon face was anxious. “Mike, you sure about Moe Greene selling? He never 
mentioned it to me and he loves the business. I really don’t think he’ll sell.” 
Michael said quietly, “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” 
The words were said in an ordinary voice, yet the effect was chilling, perhaps because it 
was a favorite phrase of the Don’s. Michael turned to Johnny Fontane. “The Don is 
counting on you to help us get started. It’s been explained to us that entertainment will 
be the big factor in drawing gamblers. We hope you’ll sign a contract to appear five 
times a year for maybe a week-long engagement. We hope your friends in movies do 
the same. You’ve done them a lot of favors, now you can call them in.” 
“Sure,” Johnny said. “I’ll do anything for my Godfather, you know that, Mike.” But there 
was just the faint shadow of doubt in his voice. 
Michael smiled and said, “You won’t lose money on the deal and neither will your 
friends. You get points in the hotel, and if there’s somebody else you think important 
enough, they get some points too. Maybe you don’t believe me, so let me say I’m 
speaking the Don’s words.” 
Johnny said hurriedly, “I believe you, Mike. But there’s ten more hotels and casinos 
being built on the Strip right now. When you come in, the market may be glutted, you 
may be too late with all that competition already there.” 
Tom Hagen spoke up. “The Corleone Family has friends who are financing three of 
those hotels.” Johnny understood immediately that he meant the Corleone Family 
owned the three hotels, with their casinos. And that there would be plenty of points to 
give out. 
“I’ll start working on it,” Johnny said. 
Michael turned to Lucy and Jules Segal. “I owe you,” he said to Jules. “I hear you want 
to go back to cutting people up and that hospitals won’t let you use their facilities 
because of that old abortion business. I have to know from you, is that what you want?” 
Jules smiles. “I guess so. But you don’t know the medical setup. Whatever power you 
have doesn’t mean anything to them. I’m afraid you can’t help me in that.” 
Michael nodded absentmindedly. “Sure, you’re right. But some friends of mine, pretty 
well-known people, are going to build a big hospital for Las Vegas. The town will need it 
the way it’s growing and the way it’s projected to grow. Maybe they’ll let you into the 

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