Chapter 7 Summary and Analysis

With both Luciano and Genovese out of the picture, at least temporarily, Frank Costello becomes the acting boss of the Luciano Family—not a good situation for Valachi. Valachi does not know Costello well and Costello is more concerned with his booming racketeering business—slots, bookmaking, gambling casinos and other enterprises—than Family matters. Costello has a good business sense and prefers to use his political connections more than muscle.

Valachi's friendship with Bobby Doyle begins to fall apart. Valachi's lieutenant is Tony Bender (Anthony Strollo), who Valachi does not trust and dislikes intensely. Costello is busy making money. There is no one in "upper management" that Valachi can go to. Doyle tells Valachi that he is selected to beat up a soldier in another family. Valachi does not like the plan since the lieutenant (Tommy Brown) in...