I need two million dollars in cash...more important, I need a friend who has people in high places; a friend who can guarantee that if one of my employees be arrested, they would get only light sentences. Be my friend.
DON CORLEONE:
What percentages for my family?
SOLLOZZO:
Thirty per cent. In the first year your share would be four million dollars; then it would go up.
DON CORLEONE:
And what is the percentage of the Tattaglia family?
SOLLOZZO nods toward HAGEN.
SOLLOZZO:
My compliments. I'll take care of them from my share.
DON CORLEONE:
So. I receive 30 per cent just for finance and legal protection. No worries about operations, is that what you tell me?
SOLLOZZO:
If you think two million dollars in cash is just finance, I congratulate you Don Corleone.
There is a long silence; in which each person present feels the tension. The DON is about to give his answer.
DON CORLEONE:
I said I would see you because I've heard you're a serious man, to be treated with respect... (pause) But I'll say no to you.
We feel this around the room.
DON CORLEONE:
I'll give you my reasons. I have many, many friends in Politics.
But they wouldn't be so friendly if my business was narcotics instead of gambling. They think gambling is something like liquor, a harmless vice...and they think narcotics is dirty business.
SOLLOZZO takes a breath.
DON CORLEONE:
No...how a man makes his living is none of my business. But this proposition of yours is too risky.
All the people in my family lived well the last ten years, I won't risk that out of greed.
SOLLOZZO:
Are you worried about security for your million?
DON CORLEONE:
No.
SOLLOZZO:
The Tattaglias will guarantee your investment also.
This startles SONNY; he blurts out.
SONNY:
The Tattaglia family guarantees our investment?
SOLLOZZO hears him first, and then very slowly turns to face him. Everyone is the room knows that SONNY has stepped out of line.
DON CORLEONE:
Young people are greedy, and they have no manners. They speak when they should listen. But I have a sentimental weakness for my children, and I've spoiled them, as you see. But Signor Sollozzo, my no is final.
SOLLOZZO nods, understands that this is the dismissal. He glances one last time at SONNY. He rises; all the others do as well. He bows to the DON, shakes his hand, and formally takes his leave. When the footsteps can no longer be heard: The DON turns to SONNY.
DON CORLEONE:
Santino, never let anyone outside the family know what you are thinking. I think your brain is going soft from all that comedy you play with that young girl.
