The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
342
Hagen shrugged. “Don’t worry, there’s no leak, nobody else knows. But in my position I 
can see what’s happening. You gave Lampone his own living, you gave him a lot of 
freedom. So he needs people to help him in his little empire. But everybody he recruits 
has to be reported to me. And I notice everybody he puts on the payroll is a little too 
good for that particular job, is getting a little more money than that particular exercise is 
worth. You picked the right man when you picked Lampone, by the way. He’s operating 
perfectly.” 
Michael grimaced. “Not so damn perfect if you noticed. Anyway the Don picked 
Lampone.” 
“OK,” Tom said, “so why am I cut out of the action?” 
Michael faced him and without flinching gave it to him straight. “Tom, you’re not a 
wartime Consigliere. Things may get tough with this move we’re trying to make and we 
may have to fight. And I want to get you out of the line of fire too, just in case.” 
Hagen’s face reddened. If the Don had told him the same thing, he would have 
accepted it humbly. But where the hell did Mike come off making such a snap 
judgment? 
“OK,” he said, “but I happen to agree with Tessio. I think you’re going about this all 
wrong. You’re making the move out of weakness, not strength. That’s always bad. 
Barzini is like a wolf, and if he tears you limb from limb, the other Families won’t come 
rushing to help the Corleones.” 
The Don finally spoke. “Tom, it’s not just Michael. I advised him on these matters. There 
are things that may have to be done that I don’t want in any way to be responsible for. 
That is my wish, not Michael’s. I never thought you were a bad Consigliere, I thought 
Santino a bad Don, may his soul rest in peace. He had a good heart but he wasn’t the 
right man to head the Family when I had my little misfortune. And who would have 
thought that Fredo would become a lackey of women? So don’t feel badly. Michael has 
all my confidence as you do. For reasons which you can’t know, you must have no part 
in what may happen. By the way, I told Michael that Lampone’s secret regime would not 
escape your eye. So that shows I have faith in you.” 
Michael laughed. “I honestly didn’t think you’d pick that up, Tom.” 
Hagen knew he was being mollified. “Maybe I can help,” he said. 
Michael shook his head decisively. “You’re out, Tom.” 

---