Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

Author Peter Maas describes his encounters with Joseph Valachi in this chapter. Maas first meets Valachi in January 1966 at the D.C. Jail. Valachi is being kept on the top floor, which had formerly been death row, under massive security—not in fear of his escape, rather in an effort to keep him alive. The Cosa Nostra has placed a $100,000 price tag on his head. Maas is surprised that the little, gray-haired man he meets is responsible for so much commotion. Valachi is slim, exercises regularly and seems to be in good health save the fact that he smokes two packs of cigarettes everyday. He knows it is unhealthy but he asserts, "What else can I do in here?" (26). Maas eventually will interview Valachi twenty-two times between January and March 1966. In addition to conversations, Maas supplies Valachi with questions on...