Chapitre 12: Don Vito Corleone

Inside the Corleone family home, Lorenzo followed Tom Hagen into Don Vito Corleone's office.

As they walked, Lorenzo caught sight of a broad-shouldered man flirting with a maid.

Tom Hagen caught Lorenzo's glance and remarked, "See that charmer over there? That's Sonny Corleone, the eldest son of Don Vito Corleone."

Lorenzo nodded, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. He had recognized Sonny not from Hagen's introduction but because he bore a striking resemblance to the Sonny from "The Godfather" movie Lorenzo remembered from his past life.

Sonny, deeply engaged in a flirtatious conversation with the maid, sensed someone's gaze. Turning around, he spotted a young man walking beside Tom.

"Hey, Tom! Who's the newcomer?" Sonny asked with direct interest, his eyes on Lorenzo.

Tom responded with a smile, "This young fellow here is eager to meet Don Corleone. His name's Lorenzo."

Hearing that Lorenzo wished to meet his father, Sonny strode over to size him up closely. "You remind me of my younger brother," he mused, then, with a hand leveled to gauge Lorenzo's height, added, "He was about as tall as you."

Tom just shook his head at Sonny's antics and said, "Let's not mind him, Lorenzo. We should move on." He then guided Lorenzo towards the Don, leaving Sonny behind.

"What's the deal? I was still talking to him," Sonny called out, unable to hide his irritation.

"You're acting like a child, Sonny," Tom retorted without breaking stride, continuing to walk with Lorenzo.

Then, with a light chuckle, Tom glanced at Lorenzo and said, "Sonny has his moments."

Lorenzo offered a nod in response. He was familiar with Sonny's hotheaded reputation from the books, yet he also knew of Sonny's deep familial care.

Shortly after, they entered the room where Don Vito Corleone resided.

Lorenzo silently observed the figure by the window. "Don Vito Corleone," he thought, taking in the sight of the elder statesman in his tailored suit. Though there was a certain frailty to his stance, an undeniable aura of command enveloped him as he gazed thoughtfully outside.

Had Lorenzo not been familiar with "The Godfather" from his past life, he might have mistaken the elderly man before him for someone fragile and perhaps inconsequential. However, Lorenzo was well aware that this seemingly frail figure was anything but. He stood in the presence of Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather, a figure even the underworld held in high esteem. Known for his strategic mind, Vito Corleone could be merciless towards his adversaries. His influence in the underworld was unmatched, yet Lorenzo recognized that, unlike Michael, the future Godfather and Don of the Corleone family, Vito was not blinded by his power. He prioritized his family and loyal associates above all else.

Noticing the entrance of Tom Hagen and Lorenzo, Don Vito's gaze shifted to Tom as he inquired, "Son, who have you brought with you?"

With respect, Tom introduced Lorenzo, "Don Corleone, this is the young man who seeks your aid."

Don Vito looked at Lorenzo with a curious intensity.

Tom was about to prompt Lorenzo to pay his respects, but Lorenzo, intuitively understanding the protocol, approached the Don slowly and with utmost respect, careful not to startle Peter Clemenza, who was also in the room.

Furthermore, the guards had already ensured Lorenzo was unarmed before allowing him inside, which meant there was no cause for alarm.

Don Vito Corleone observed Lorenzo calmly as he approached, and to his slight surprise, Lorenzo kissed the Don's ring in a gesture of deep respect.

"It is both a pleasure and an honor to meet you, Don Vito Corleone," Lorenzo said, his words and actions radiating sincerity that seemed to stem directly from his heart—a genuineness hard to disguise.

Tom Hagen and Peter Clemenza, witnesses to this exchange, could sense the authenticity in Lorenzo's demeanor.

With years of experience in reading people, Don Vito Corleone could tell Lorenzo wasn't feigning his respect. This realization brought a chuckle from the Don as he remarked to Tom Hagen, "You've certainly brought an interesting young man here, son."

Tom responded with a warm smile.

Then, Don Vito's gaze returned to Lorenzo. He was accustomed to people seeking his aid with varying degrees of feigned or minimal respect. Regardless, Don Vito always aimed to assist those in need to the best of his ability.

However, it was rare to encounter someone who exhibited such genuine respect and perhaps even faint admiration, as Lorenzo did. This left a distinct impression on Don Vito Corleone.

"Son, may I know your name?" Don Vito Corleone asked gently, patting Lorenzo on the shoulder with a soft touch.

"My name is Lorenzo Lupo, Don Vito Corleone," Lorenzo replied promptly, without a trace of hesitation.

"Lorenzo Lupo... Lupo? 'Wolf'?" Don Vito mused with a chuckle, translating Lorenzo's surname to English, finding amusement in the name.

After a moment of light-heartedness, Don Vito invited Lorenzo to sit, saying, "Let's take a seat, son. Standing for too long isn't ideal, especially for an old man like me."

Lorenzo smiled as he sat down beside Don Vito, complimenting, "You appear quite youthful for your age, Don Vito."

Touched by Lorenzo's words, Don Vito shared a soft laugh with Tom and Peter, playfully remarking, "This young man certainly knows how to make his elders feel good, haha."

"I'm simply stating the truth, Don Corleone," Lorenzo added. While his words praised the Don, they were sincere; Don Vito did indeed seem younger than his years.

Don Vito laughed more freely this time, noting, "It's not often I find myself laughing, but you, my young friend, have a talent for bringing out my laughter."

Lorenzo smiled, noticing that although Don Vito's laughter was measured, it had a rare, valuable quality to it.

"Alright, young friend Lorenzo. You've come seeking my assistance?" Don Vito transitioned smoothly from their light-hearted exchange to the matter at hand.

Lorenzo affirmed with a nod, "Don Corleone, I'm indeed in need of your help."

Acknowledging Lorenzo's request, Don Vito responded, "You've approached me as a friend and shown me respect. Because of this, I'll grant you a favor within my capabilities." He then added, "In return, as my friend, should I ever ask a favor of you in the future, you'll honor it without question. Do you understand?"

Lorenzo agreed without hesitation, "I understand."

Pleased with Lorenzo's response, Don Vito inquired, "What exactly do you need my help with?"

Lorenzo shared his concern, "My friend was severely attacked by a group and is now in the hospital in a bad condition."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Don Vito asked, "So, you're seeking revenge for your friend?"

To this, Lorenzo replied, shaking his head, "No, Don Corleone."

Surprised by Lorenzo's response, Don Vito probed further, "You don't seek revenge? Then what assistance do you require?"

Lorenzo clarified, "My only request is for assistance in covering my friend's medical expenses. They amount to hundreds of dollars, and I'm currently unable to afford them."

Don Vito gave a nod of understanding, "You wish to settle your friend's hospital bills? That's within my means to assist." After expressing his willingness to help, Don Vito's curiosity piqued as he probed further, "Lorenzo, are you certain you don't wish to pursue revenge for your friend? You have no desire for retribution?"

With a calm smile, Lorenzo replied, "Don Corleone, the thought of avenging my friend has crossed my mind, indeed."

"Just say the word, and I'll lend you my support in that endeavor as well—" Don Vito began, only to be taken aback as Lorenzo gently cut in.

"Don Corleone, I intend to avenge my friend by my own means. With my own strength and on my terms," Lorenzo conveyed his resolve to the Don of the Corleone family.

Lorenzo's declaration left Don Vito, Tom, and Peter visibly surprised.

"So, you're set on seeking vengeance with your own hands?" Don Vito asked, his interest evident in his gaze.

"Yes, Don Corleone," Lorenzo affirmed with a nod.

Don Vito's gaze intensified, captivated by the young man before him. In Lorenzo's eyes, there was a glimmer of controlled anger, a thirst for vengeance subtly veiled, yet palpable to Don Vito.

Simultaneously, Don Vito recognized the potential in nurturing a bond with such a promising individual. This young spirit could, he surmised, become a valuable ally for the Corleone family in the years to come.

"Mm, quite the intriguing individual," Don Vito mused internally as he observed Lorenzo. Then, with a paternal gesture, he added, "You remind me of my younger self, Lorenzo."

Lorenzo responded with a humble smile, continuing their conversation...

Tom and Peter noticed a silent exchange of glances. It was clear to them that Don Corleone had taken a genuine interest in Lorenzo. Their dialogue stretched for over half an hour, during which Don Vito seemed wholly unaware of the passing time.

It was only after Tom gently reminded him that Don Vito realized they had been conversing for over half an hour. Turning to Tom Hagen, Don Vito instructed, "Son, would you kindly ensure our young friend Lorenzo is driven back in one of our cars? And please, take care of his friend's medical bills as well."

Tom acknowledged with a nod. However, Lorenzo, upon hearing this, expressed his gratitude yet declined the offer, "Don Corleone, your willingness to help with my friend's medical expenses is more than enough. I can make my way back on my own."

But Don Vito, with a firm shake of his head, insisted, "No, you mentioned it takes hours to reach here from the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Allow Tom to drive you."

Lorenzo hesitated, starting to object, "But-"

Before he could finish, Don Vito firmly added, "I insist. It's late, and you wouldn't want to be navigating your way home at midnight. Accept the ride from Tom."

Tom chimed in, supporting Don Vito's insistence, "Please, accept the offer. It's from Don Corleone."

With a reluctant nod, Lorenzo accepted, "Alright, then."

"Good, good. I look forward to our next meeting, Lorenzo. Take care," Don Vito bid him farewell warmly.

Lorenzo then said his goodbyes to Don Vito and followed Tom Hagen to the family's car. As they drove away from the mansion, Don Vito watched from his office window, a smile of anticipation on his lips. "I have high hopes for you, Lorenzo Lupo," he murmured, while Peter Clemenza observed Don Vito, noting the rare approval in his demeanor.