"First, let us congratulate the newly appointed president of the Virginia Veterans Assistance Association, Congressman Jesse Roff from Norfolk."
Harry ushered a short man with a rugged, military style onto the main stage.
Sitting below, Thomas whispered to Leo,
"You won't blame me for giving your idea to someone else, will you?"
"Of course not, Senator. Mr. Jesse Roff was a Rear Admiral in the Navy. Now, he's a Congressman for Virginia's second-largest city, Norfolk. He just mentioned he's running for mayor of Norfolk.
Also, from what I heard, he's the party's chosen heir, trained by you and Governor Harry. There's no one more suitable for this position than Mr. Roff."
"Your analysis is always so thorough and pleasant. Don't worry, Leo, I never shortchange my people."
Thomas said just as Harry finished reading a long list of honorary presidents.
Near the end, he summarized,
"We in these important positions take on many tasks. We need some clever, capable, imaginative, and responsible young people to handle the routine work of the association.
Now, let us welcome the association's permanent Secretary-General, Mr. Leo Valentino, to the stage to say a few words."
On the way back in the car, Leo felt somewhat unreal.
Thomas's so-called generosity was overwhelming.
After Leo finished his speech, Thomas patted his shoulder and introduced him to the crowd,
"This is my important successor."
From the looks of the people in the crowd, Leo could see the strong envy in their eyes.
He also received a stack of business cards, all key connections from Thomas and Harry.
With these business cards, Leo now had a solid foothold in Virginia's upper class.
Of course, these weren't entirely gifts.
Thomas and Harry had each asked for 10% of shares in the Lynchburg hotel from Leo, as well as two top suites in the future hotel.
It was hard to say if the deal was fair.
Their actions effectively gave Leo's hotel an excellent advertisement in Virginia's upper circles.
At Thomas's Roman-style bathroom in his mansion,
Thomas and Harry were candidly relaxing in the bath.
"This kid is probably shocked by our gifts,"
Thomas said.
"He's quick-witted, but his experience is too shallow. He probably can't understand why we gave him such a generous gift."
Harry took the towel handed to him by the servant, wiped his face, and continued,
"The military-industrial complex isn't a united front, but this Veterans Association has given us a small opening.
At least we can gather more military personnel around Jesse.
We can't let the Republicans exert too much influence over Virginia's military strength, even if it's the Norfolk Navy!"
Thomas said firmly.
"Some people from New York have called me,"
Harry said.
Thomas sneered and said,
"I've also been under pressure from the White House and from the Pacific side.
But I've been discussing something with the President lately.
It's about the great American tradition of civilian politics.
If some people want to be emperors, let them do it on that island that was bombed by nukes.
This is America, and it's not up to some fool with a pipe to decide!
This isn't just my idea, the President thinks the same way."
"The President has indeed done well, but his approval rating..."
Harry sighed.
"Forget it. With this investment, this kid Leo should barely be able to challenge Clint's side and the Gurian family now."
December 15th
Since dealing with Patrick, Leo had enjoyed a rare period of peace.
If there was any unrest in his life, it was because Evelyn had become Emily's best friend.
They spent their days in Richmond, playing and having fun.
It wasn't that Leo was self-centered, but he saw a possessive desire in Evelyn's wild gaze.
So, with the arrival of the cold winter,
Thomas took Evelyn to Hawaii for a vacation, giving Leo a break from his inner turmoil.
Virginia State Capitol
Leo and Emily were hosting Mike and his girlfriend Kay, who had come from New York.
Mike was preparing to marry Kay.
They were on their last trip before marriage.
They had traveled north from Miami, planning to reach New York before Christmas.
Richmond was their second-to-last stop.
"This building was designed by the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson,"
Emily said as she supported Kay's arm, introducing the building in front of them.
The reason she knew this was that Evelyn had told her about it a few days ago.
The men walked behind, wearing fur coats and scarves.
"I always believed you would overcome that situation, but I didn't expect it to happen so quickly.
When we left New York, you were just a destitute, retired soldier.
Now, you're the owner of five companies."
Mike said while walking.
"Five companies don't compare to the Corleone family. One olive oil company makes more.
I don't know if you're complimenting me or showing off,"
Leo joked.
Mike frowned and said,
"That's family money, not mine."
If Leo hadn't seen The Godfather, he would've thought Mike was complaining about the family's unequal distribution of wealth.
But Leo knew Mike simply didn't approve of the family's illegal money.
At this point, Mike was deeply influenced by American values, believing in creating wealth and status with his own hands.
At Richmond Train Station, the emotional Emily wiped her tears as she saw off Jane, whom she had only known for three days.
Seeing the train ticket that Tucson handed to Leo, she curiously asked,
"It's almost Christmas, Leo, are you leaving again?"
Leo patted Emily's head and affectionately said,
"I'm going to New York to return a favor. I'll be back before Christmas."
On the train, Leo felt a bit conflicted about this trip to New York.
For Leo, allowing the Godfather to be shot, watching Sancino be murdered, and waiting for Mike to become the second-generation Godfather was the most profitable result.
When planning for the future on the battlefield of World War II, this was exactly how he had designed it.
When he left the Corleone house and returned to Lynchburg, he didn't plan to change his course.
But Mike's sudden visit had triggered Leo's more emotional side.
Mike was not the stereotype from the movie; he was a real person, a comrade Leo had spent a long time joking with in the hospital.
Mike had once been sunny, full of smiles, but Leo now remembered his tragic ending from the film.
Leo finally decided to go to the place where it all began and stop the tragedy from happening.
He decided to go personally to repay the Godfather's favor.
As an Italian, Leo knew that sending someone else wouldn't count as repaying the favor.
It would be hard to explain why Leo knew the Godfather was assassinated.
As for warning the Godfather, that would be even more suspicious.
"Did you also take part in the plot to destroy the Corleone family?"