Balance of Power, 18
An opportunity to delve into the various thoughts of the four passengers would have been a psychiatrist's dream come true. Not a single word was exchanged during the ride from the University grounds. Whatever thoughts they each entertained remained a mystery to the others.
That same silence reigned now. Sabrina sat back in her seat and allowed her gaze to roam over the three enigmatic strangers who had invaded her life. Safely ensconced within their sprawling mansion, the three men seemed no more relaxed than they had been inside the big armor-plated limousine.
Through the windows Sabrina watched discreetly armed guards patrol back and forth across the grounds. She'd gotten her first glimpse of them when the limousine turned onto the sprawling driveway of the vast estate. As they passed each man, he paused to offer up a respectful nod to the three men within the car.
The guards' attitudes were decidedly more … reverential than the men who worked for the local ‘businessmen' in the neighborhood back home. Criminal figures like Bobby Texador commanded respect of the men that worked for them, but nothing quite like the deference given to Michael Corleone.
“These men are all yours?” Sabrina asked, finally breaking the silence.
“They work for me, yes.”
“As… soldiers ?”
“As bodyguards for the Corleone family,” Michael corrected.
Seated opposite them, Tom Hagen took in the exchange with interest. Michael's newfound daughter had elected to subtly inform him that she was not ignorant of his reputed lifestyle. Sabrina had chosen to go on the offensive with her father. Tom was curious to observe Michael's reaction to her decision.
“The media,” Michael acknowledged Sabrina's probable source of information, “chooses to portray the Corleone family as something other than we are. For them, our wealth and influence can't have been earned through hard work. It was either stolen or coerced.” Michael continued. “As you learn more about our ways, you will see that public perception about the Corleone family is often incorrect.”
Tom hid a smile. Sabrina's pointed question had provided the perfect opening for Michael's announcement.
“Learn more about you?” the young woman repeated warily.
“Yes,” Michael responded. “As you spend the next year in Sicily with the family.”