The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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thing. He sets me up for the hit by Barzini and inherits the Corleone Family. He sticks 
with me and he gets wiped out; he’s figuring I can’t win.” 
Hagen paused before he asked reluctantly, “How right is he figuring?” 
Michael shrugged. “It looks bad. But my father was the only one who understood that 
political connections and power are worth ten regimes. I think I’ve got most of my 
father’s political power in my hands now, but I’m the only one who really knows that.” He 
smiled at Hagen, a reassuring smile. “I’ll make them call me Don. But I feel lousy about 
Tessio.” 
Hagen said, “Have you agreed to the meeting with Barzini?” ’ 
“Yeah,” Michael said. “A week from tonight. In Brooklyn, on Tessio’s ground where I’ll be 
safe.” He laughed again. 
Hagen said, “Be careful before then.” 
For the first time Michael was cold with Hagen. “I don’t need a Consigliere to give me 
that kind of advice,” he said. 
* * *
During the week preceding the peace meeting between the Corleone and Barzini 
Families, Michael showed Hagen just how careful he could be. He never set foot outside 
the mall and never received anyone without Neri beside him. There was only one 
annoying complication. Connie and Carlo’s oldest boy was to receive his Confirmation in 
the Catholic Church and Kay asked Michael to be the Godfather. Michael refused. 
“I don’t often beg you,” Kay said. “Please do this just for me. Connie wants it so much. 
And so does Carlo. It’s very important to them. Please, Michael.” 
She could see he was angry with her for insisting and expected him to refuse. So she 
was surprised when he nodded and said, “OK. But I can’t leave the mall. Tell them to 
arrange for the priest to confirm the kid here. I’ll pay whatever it costs. If they run into 
trouble with the church people, Hagen will straighten it out.” 
And so the day before the meeting with the Barzini Family, Michael Corleone stood 
Godfather to the son of Carlo and Connie Rizzi. He presented the boy with an extremely 
expensive wristwatch and gold band. There was a small party in Carlo’s house, to which 
were invited the caporegimes, Hagen, Lampone and everyone who lived on the mall, 
including, of course, the Don’s widow. Connie was so overcome with emotion that she 
hugged and kissed her brother and Kay all during the evening. And even Carlo Rizzi 

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