Крестный отец

           "Getherhomeandgetheradoctor,"Michaelsaid.ThetwoguardsimmediatelygrabbedConnie’sarmsandpulledheroutofthehouse.

           Kaywasstillshocked,stillhorrified.Shesaidtoherhusband,"Whatmadehersayallthosethings,Michael,whatmakesherbelievethat?"

           Michaelshrugged."She’shysterical."

           Kaylookedintohiseyes."Michael,it’snottrue,pleasesayit’snottrue."

           Michaelshookhisheadwearily."Ofcourseit’snot.Justbelieveme,thisonetimeI’mlettingyouaskaboutmyaffairs,andI’mgivingyouananswer.Itisnottrue."Hehadneverbeenmoreconvincing.Helookeddirectlyintohereyes.Hewasusingallthemutualtrusttheyhadbuiltupintheirmarriedlifetomakeherbelievehim.Andshecouldnotdoubtanylonger.Shesmiledathimruefullyandcameintohisarmsforakiss.

           "Webothneedadrink,"shesaid.Shewentintothekitchenforiceandwhilethereheardthefrontdooropen.ShewentoutofthekitchenandsawClemenza,NeriandRoccoLamponecomeinwiththebodyguards.Michaelhadhisbacktoher,butshemovedsothatshecouldseehiminprofile.AtthatmomentClemenzaaddressedherhusband,greetinghimformally.

           "DonMichael,"Clemenzasaid.

           KaycouldseehowMichaelstoodtoreceivetheirhomage.HeremindedherofstatuesinRome,statuesofthoseRomanemperorsofantiquity,who,bydivineright,heldthepoweroflifeanddeathovertheirfellowmen