The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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Tom finished his drink and before he left he gave Michael a mild reproof. “You’re nearly 
as good as your father,” he told Michael. “But there’s one thing you still have to learn.” 
“What’s that?” Michael said politely. 
“How to say no,” Hagen answered. 
Michael nodded gravely. “You’re right,” he said. “I’ll remember that.” 
When Hagen had left, Michael said jokingly to his father, “So you’ve taught me 
everything else. Tell me how to say no to people in a way they’ll like.” 
The Don moved to sit behind the big desk. “You cannot say ‘no’ to the people you love, 
not often. That’s the secret. And then when you do, it has to sound like a ‘yes.’ Or you 
have to make them say ‘no.’ You have to take time and trouble. But I’m old-fashioned, 
you’re the new modern generation, don’t listen to me.” 
Michael laughed. “Right. You agree about Tom being out, though, don’t you?” 
The Don nodded. “He can’t be involved in this.” 
Michael said quietly, “I think it’s time for me to tell you that what I’m going to do is not 
purely out of vengeance for Apollonia and Sonny. It’s the right thing to do. Tessio and 
Tom are right about the Barzinis.” 
Don Corleone nodded. “Revenge is a dish that tastes best when it is cold,” he said. “I 
would not have made that peace but that I knew you would never come home alive 
otherwise. I’m surprised, though, that Barzini still made a last try at you. Maybe it was 
arranged before the peace talk and he couldn’t stop it. Are you sure they were not after 
Don Tommasino?” 
Michael said, “That’s the way it was supposed to look. And it would have been perfect, 
even you would never have suspected. Except that I came out alive. I saw Fabrizzio 
going through the gate, running away. And of course I’ve checked it all out since I’ve 
been back.” 
“Have they found that shepherd?” the Don asked. 
“I found him,” Michael said. “I found him a year ago. He’s got his own little pizza place 
up in Buffalo. New name, phony passport and identification. He’s doing very well is 
Fabrizzio the shepherd.” 
The Don nodded. “So it’s to no purpose to wait any longer. When will you start?” 
Michael said, “I want to wait until after Kay has the baby. Just in case anything goes 

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