The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
53
will? He most certainly did, but that was not what the Don was asking. Did the movie 
producer have the courage not to be bluffed? Did he have the willingness to suffer 
heavy financial loss delay on his movies would mean, the scandal of his big star 
exposed as a user of heroin? Again the answer was yes. But again this was not what 
the Don meant. Finally Hagen translated the question properly in his mind. Did Jack 
Woltz have the balls to risk everything, to run the chance of losing all on a matter of 
principle, on a matter of honor; for revenge? 
Hagen smiled. He did it rarely but now he could not resist jesting with the Don. “You’re 
asking if he is a Sicilian.” The Don nodded his head pleasantly, acknowledging the 
flattering witticism and its truth. “No,” Hagen said. 
That had been all. The Don had pondered the question until the next day. On 
Wednesday afternoon he had called Hagen to his home and given him his instructions. 
The instructions had consumed the rest of Hagen’s working day and left him dazed with 
admiration. There was no question in his mind that the Don had solved the problem, that 
Woltz would call him this morning with the news that Johnny Fontane had the starring 
part in his new war movie. 
At that moment the phone did ring but it was Amerigo Bonasera. The undertaker’s voice 
was trembling with gratitude. He wanted Hagen to convey to the Don his undying 
friendship. The Don had only to call on him. He, Amerigo Bonasera, would lay down his 
life for the blessed Godfather. Hagen assured him that the Don would be told. 
The Daily News had carried a middle-page spread of Jerry Wagner and Kevin Moonan 
lying in the street. The photos were expertly gruesome, they seemed to be pulps of 
human beings. Miraculously, said the News, they were both still alive though they would 
both be in the hospital for months and would require plastic surgery. Hagen made a note 
to tell Clemenza that something should be done for Paulie Gatto. He seemed to know 
his job. 
Hagen worked quickly and efficiently for the next three hours consolidating earning 
reports from the Don’s real estate company, his olive oil importing business and his 
construction firm. None of them were doing well but with the war over they should all 
become rich producers. He had almost forgotten the Johnny Fontane problem when his 
secretary told him California was calling. He felt a little thrill of anticipation as he picked 
up the phone and said, “Hagen here.” 
The voice that came over the phone was unrecognizable with hate and passion. “You 

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