[TheStellarEnsemble.com] The Godfather - Mario Puzo

held a dismissal. “Young people are greedy,” he said. “And today they have no manners. Theyinterrupt their elders. They meddle. But I have a sentimental weakness for my children and Ihave spoiled them. As you see. Signor Sollozzo, my no is final. Let me say that I myself wishyou good fortune in your business. It has no conflict with my own. I’m sorry that I had todisappoint you.”Sollozzo bowed, shook the Don’s hand and let Hagen take him to his car outside. Therewas no expression on his face when he said good-bye to Hagen.Back in the room, Don Corleone asked Hagen, “What did you think of that man?”“He’s a Sicilian,” Hagen said dryly.The Don nodded his head thoughtfully. Then he turned to his son and said gently,“Santino, never let anyone outside the family know what you are thinking. Never let them knowwhat you have under your fingernails. I think your brain is going soft from all that comedy youplay with that young girl. Stop it and pay attention to business. Now get out of my sight.”Hagen saw the surprise on Sonny’s face, then anger at his father’s reproach. Did he reallythink the Don would be ignorant of his conquest, Hagen wondered. And did he really not knowwhat a dangerous mistake he had made this morning? If that were true, Hagen would never wishto be the Consigliere to the Don of Santino Corleone.Don Corleone waited until Sonny had left the room. Then he sank back into his leatherarmchair and motioned brusquely for a drink. Hagen poured him a glass of anisette. The Donlooked up at him. “Send Luca Brasi to see me,” he said.Three months later, Hagen hurried through the paper work in his city office hoping toleave early enough for some Christmas shopping for his wife and children. He was interrupted bya phone call from a Johnny Fontane bubbling with high spirits. The picture had been shot, therushes, whatever the hell they were, Hagen thought, were fabulous. He was sending the Don apresent for Christmas that would knock his eyes out, he’d bring it himself but there were somelittle things to be done in the movie. He would have to stay out on the Coast. Hagen tried toconceal his impatience. Johnny Fontane’s charm had always been lost on him. But his interestwas aroused. “What is it?” he asked. Johnny Fontane chuckled and said, “I can’t tell, that’s thebest part of a Christmas present.” Hagen immediately lost all interest and finally managed,politely, to hang up.65