Bab 137: Chapter 137: The Awakening of the 2nd Generation Godfather
Hardy was not surprised by the news of Buno's death. The killing of Buno, the son of Philippe, the head of the Tatakilia family, was a clear indication of escalating violence among the families. Philippe had supported Sorasso, who had been behind the attack on the old godfather, Vito Corleone. The motive was simple: profit.
During Prohibition, the Mafia had thrived on smuggling alcohol, but with its end, their profits dwindled. The new goldmine was drugs, a lucrative business that attracted all the major families. Vito Corleone had steadfastly refused to engage in the drug trade, which made him a significant obstacle for those seeking to expand their empire into this new realm.
Hardy had met Buno before, during the Flamingo Casino's opening. Their brief encounter had ended with a clash, and now Buno was the first casualty in the power struggle among the five major New York families.
Henry's intelligence network had been effective. The assassination of Buno was reported to Hardy before Mike was even informed. Hardy had decided not to intervene directly but instead watched the unfolding situation with interest.
The following morning, newspapers reported the assassination. Mike, unsure of whether to consult Hardy or return to Corleone's house, ultimately chose to seek Hardy's advice.
On a cold, sleet-filled morning, Mike arrived at the hotel where Hardy was having breakfast. Hardy greeted him with a warm smile and gestured for him to join.
"Do you think the Corleone family will go to full-scale war with the other families?" Mike asked, glancing at the newspaper.
"The war has already begun," Hardy replied. "We're in the preliminary stages, the trial runs before the real conflict. It's not yet the full-scale battle."
Mike frowned. "Do you think the Corleone family has any chance of winning?"
Hardy took a moment to consider his response. "The Corleone family is the strongest of the five, but facing all four families simultaneously is a different story. The Corleones could be overwhelmed and swallowed by the others."
Mike's heart sank. "Why do you think so?"
Hardy continued, "The Corleone family's strength lies in its people: the Tessio and Clemenza factions, totaling around 300 men. Sonny commands around 60 more, making it roughly 400 in total. The other families each have a similar number, and combined, they outmatch the Corleones."
He added, "Economically, both sides can fund their operations, but Vito Corleone's connections are what make the Corleones exceptional. His political capital is the Corleones' greatest asset. The other families want to control the drug trade and eliminate Vito because his political ties are their biggest obstacle."
Mike listened intently. Hardy's analysis made everything clearer.
"So, why are you helping me?" Mike asked.
Hardy chuckled, patting Mike on the shoulder. "A true friend is someone who supports you not just in times of comfort, but in crises. Real friendship isn't about the easy times; it's about sticking together through the tough ones."
Mike appreciated Hardy's support and trust.
"What should we do to overcome this immediate crisis?" Mike asked.
"Kill Sorasso," Hardy said plainly.
"Why?" Mike inquired.
"Sorasso is the linchpin for the other families' alliance. As long as he's alive, the alliance remains intact. Eliminating him will disrupt their unity," Hardy explained. "The Corleone family should spread word that while negotiations are possible, they must wait until Vito recovers. This will give the other families hope and prevent them from committing fully to the conflict."
Mike nodded in agreement.
---
Returning home, Mike found Sonny and Tom in another heated argument. Sonny wanted vengeance, while Tom advocated for peace talks.
"Sonny, your actions have escalated the situation. Other families will see this as a threat and unite against us," Tom argued.
"Let them unite!" Sonny retorted. "They killed our father and even tried to do it in the hospital. We cannot forgive that."
Mike observed the argument, realizing the need for a clear and strategic response. He decided to take a proactive approach.
"I'll go and meet with Sorasso," Mike announced. "I'll discuss the terms with him and see what they want."
Sonny and Tom agreed, though Tom was tasked with negotiating terms and ensuring they were in public places for safety.
Later that evening, Mike was picked up by Sorasso and the sheriff. They drove to an unremarkable restaurant, where Sorasso made a pitch for cooperation in the drug trade, promising substantial profits in return.
Mike, uninterested in the meal, played along, pretending to consider the offer. After the dinner, Sorasso made veiled threats about the Corleone family's future if they didn't agree.
As Mike left the restaurant, he noticed the tension in the air. Two cars with machine guns drove by, and gunfire erupted, shattering the restaurant's windows and killing everyone inside, including Sorasso.
Hardy and Mike, who had been observing from a distance, watched as the scene unfolded. Hardy commented on Mike's newfound ruthlessness, reflecting on how Mike was beginning to embody the traits of a true godfather.
Mike, now more resolute than ever, had taken a decisive step in reshaping the power dynamics among the Mafia families.
Bab 138: Chapter 138: Resolve the Family Crisis
Mike returned to Corleone Manor, where Sonny, Tom, Tessio, Clemenza, and others were anxiously waiting. As Mike walked in, they gathered around him.
"Mike, how did it go?" Tom asked, his tone laced with concern.
Mike poured himself a glass of wine and took a sip before responding. "Sorasso, the sheriff, and their men were all killed in a bombing."
The room fell into stunned silence.
"What? They're dead? What happened?" Sonny asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Mike met their gazes steadily. "After meeting with Sorasso and the sheriff, I arranged for their restaurant to be attacked with machine guns and bombs."
Sonny stared at his brother in shock.
Tom looked equally stunned.
Tessio frowned deeply.
Clemenza's eyes shifted, and he thought of Hardy.
"Mike, tell me it wasn't your security team from the factory?" Sonny asked, bewildered.
"I hired outside help," Mike replied simply.
"This isn't the time for details. We need to focus on the next steps," Mike said firmly.
Tom looked worried. "Mike, killing a police officer is going to provoke the entire judicial system. The connections we've built could collapse."
Mike shook his head. "No, it's not that severe. The sheriff was involved with drug dealers. He's no longer a legitimate cop. Tom, can you get in touch with the newspapers and leak the sheriff's connections to the drug trade? That'll shift the focus away from us."
Tom considered this. "I'll call them. They should know how to spin it."
"What about the murder? The police will be looking for you, Mike," Tessio pointed out.
Mike shrugged nonchalantly. "I left the restaurant before the attack. No one can directly link me to the incident. People will suspect the Corleone family, but there's no evidence to prove my involvement."
Tom, being a lawyer, nodded in agreement.
"The police might suspect Mike, but without evidence, they can't charge him," Tom confirmed.
"What about the other families? Will they retaliate against us?" Sonny asked.
Tom and Tessio remained silent.
Mike spoke up. "Sonny, you should call the other family heads and let them know the Corleone family is ready to retaliate. We're open to negotiations, but we won't be pushed around. If any family wants to challenge us, they should be prepared for a serious confrontation."
Mike paused, then added, "And Tom, make sure to call the Tatakilia family."
Sonny, having lost his son, would likely seek revenge. The Tatakilia patriarch might retaliate aggressively.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Tom looked at Mike with newfound respect. Despite Mike's previous rebellious streak, his decisive and strategic actions now mirrored the old godfather's wisdom.
Clemenza smiled at Mike, acknowledging his effective handling of the crisis. Tessio also showed admiration for Mike's leadership.
As the others dispersed to handle their tasks, Mike retreated to the old godfather's study, taking a seat in Vito's chair. He wasn't dwelling on past events; his thoughts were on Hardy. The speed with which Hardy had taken care of Solaro, and his ability to navigate complex situations, impressed Mike deeply.
Mike realized he still had much to learn from Hardy.
---
The next morning, major newspapers reported on the bombing at the restaurant. The New York Daily News described the attack in gruesome detail:
"Two cars parked outside the restaurant, firing machine guns and throwing explosives inside. The scene was brutal and deadly."
The report noted that the restaurant staff had been forced out just before the attack, suggesting premeditation.
The New York Times labeled it a vicious gang vendetta, warning of rising tensions in New York.
The New York World linked the attack to the recent assault on the Corleone family patriarch, noting connections between the deceased and drug trafficking.
---
The police visited Corleone Manor and took Mike in for questioning. Accompanied by a lawyer, Mike faced the interrogation with calm composure.
"You met with Sorasso and McCluskey last night. What was discussed?" the officer asked.
"Business," Mike replied. "Sorasso wanted to buy TVs for export to Turkey. We discussed that."
The officer pressed further. "Were there any conflicts that night?"
Mike smiled. "We were discussing a business deal. What conflict could there be?"
"Did you talk about any family matters?" the officer inquired.
Before Mike could answer, his lawyer interjected. "Please be careful with your questions. Such inquiries might be construed as accusatory. My client is a respected businessman with no criminal record."
The officer raised an eyebrow but continued. "When did you leave the restaurant, and what happened afterward?"
"I left after our discussion and went home," Mike answered. "I read about the attack in the newspapers."
"So you don't know who was behind the attack?" the officer asked.
Mike shrugged. "I have no idea. Why should I?"
After the questioning, Mike and his lawyer left the police station. While many suspected the Corleone family's involvement, there was no concrete evidence against Mike. The US justice system relied on evidence, and Mike had none tying him directly to the crime.
Witnesses confirmed Mike had left the restaurant before the attack. No one saw him at the scene, and even if the Corleone family was involved, Mike had not personally carried out the act.
---
The heads of the four families had received Sonny and Tom's calls, clearly understanding the Corleone family's position. The attack on Vito Corleone was a serious matter, and retaliation was expected.
The patriarchs of the Basini family, the real instigators of the attack, considered their next moves carefully. They decided to hold off on further actions until Vito Corleone recovered.
Henry visited Hardy's room with a stack of papers.
"Boss, here's an update on the monitoring."
"According to our analysis, the initial support for Sorasso came from the Tatakilia family. They've had a rough time with investments recently and are desperate to make money through drug trafficking."
"Philip has been reaching out to other crime families in New York and beyond, aiming to expand the drug trade. They want to leverage Mr. Vito's political connections, or force him into submission. Some families are even considering taking over the Corleone family."
Hardy, already familiar with the Godfather's story, absorbed the details with a strategic mindset.
"Boss, we also picked up some interesting intel. The Basini family has been bribing a military logistics bureau to buy obsolete transport aircraft and start an air freight company," Henry added.
Hardy's interest was piqued. "If the military is decommissioning transport planes, we should investigate this further. We had discussed needing aircraft. Let's see if we can acquire some."
"Understood. I'll look into it," Henry said.
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