The Godfather

Chapter 2

Tom Hagen went to his law office in the city on Thursday morning. He planned to catchup on his paper work so as to have everything cleared away for the meeting with VirgilSollozzo on Friday. A meeting of such importance that he had asked the Don for a fullevening of talk to prepare for the proposition they knew Sollozzo would offer the familybusiness. Hagen wanted to have all little details cleared away so that he could go to thatpreparatory meeting with an unencumbered mind.

The Don had not seemed surprised when Hagen returned from California late Tuesdayevening and told him the results of the negotiations with Woltz. He had made Hagen goover every detail and grimaced with distaste when Hagen told about the beautiful littlegirl and her mother. He had murmured "infamita," his strongest disapproval. He hadasked Hagen one final question. "Does this man have real balls?" 

Hagen considered exactly what the Don meant by this question. Over the years he hadlearned that the Don's values were so different from those of most people that his wordsalso could have a different meaning. Did Woltz have character? Did he have a strong will? He most certainly did, but that was not what the Don was asking. Did the movieproducer have the courage not to be bluffed? Did he have the willingness to sufferheavy financial loss delay on his movies would mean, the scandal of his big starexposed as a user of heroin? Again the answer was yes. But again this was not whatthe Don meant. Finally Hagen translated the question properly in his mind. Did JackWoltz have the balls to risk everything, to run the chance of losing all on a matter ofprinciple, on a matter of honor; for revenge?

Hagen smiled. He did it rarely but now he could not resist jesting with the Don. "You'reasking if he is a Sicilian." The Don nodded his head pleasantly, acknowledging theflattering witticism and its truth. "No," Hagen said.

 That had been all. The Don had pondered the question until the next day. OnWednesday 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 withadmiration. There was no question in his mind that the Don had solved the problem, thatWoltz would call him this morning with the news that Johnny Fontane had the starringpart in his new war movie.

At that moment the phone did ring but it was Amerigo Bonasera. The undertaker's voicewas trembling with gratitude. He wanted Hagen to convey to the Don his undyingfriendship. The Don had only to call on him. He, Amerigo Bonasera, would lay down hislife 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 Moonanlying in the street. The photos were expertly gruesome, they seemed to be pulps ofhuman beings. Miraculously, said the News, they were both still alive though they wouldboth be in the hospital for months and would require plastic surgery. Hagen made a noteto tell Clemenza that something should be done for Paulie Gatto. He seemed to knowhis job. 

Hagen worked quickly and efficiently for the next three hours consolidating earningreports from the Don's real estate company, his olive oil importing business and hisconstruction firm. None of them were doing well but with the war over they should allbecome rich producers. He had almost forgotten the Johnny Fontane problem when hissecretary told him California was calling. He felt a little thrill of anticipation as he pickedup the phone and said, "Hagen here." 

The voice that came over the phone was unrecognizable with hate and passion. "You fucking bastard," Woltz screamed. "I'll have you all in jail for a hundred years. I'll spendevery penny I have to get you. I'll get that Johnny Fontane's balls cut off, do you hearme, you guinea fuck?"

Hagen said kindly, "I'm German-Irish." There was a long pause and then a click of thephone being hung up. Hagen smiled. Not once had Woltz uttered a threat against DonCorleone himself. Genius had its rewards.