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“Because I don’t owe you one.”
Fine. I’d try another topic. “Why do you like Mrs. Campbell so much?”
“She reminds me of my nonna.”
I latched onto this glimpse of his personal life. “The one who liked football?”
“Yes.”
“What does your family think of your profession?”
“They’re dead.”
My mother died when I was young. Murdered on a beach by my father’s enemies. I doubted this was the case with Alessio’s family, though. “Illness?”
“My father left when I was six. My mother gave me away when I was eight. I never saw either of them again. Both are dead to me.”
My jaw fell open. Eight. Dio santo. I couldn’t help but feel pity. No child should be given away or abandoned by a parent. “You went to live with your nonna.”
“Sì. She died almost ten years ago.”
“She must have been proud of you.”
“She framed my medals and hung them on her walls.”
Medals, plural. “I suppose you were well decorated.”
“The military appreciates those who kill with efficiency. I am a very efficient killer.”
Am, not was. I said, “The mafia also appreciates an efficient killer.”
“It’s much the same, killing in service of another. But when I left the Bersagliere, I decided any killing would benefit only myself.”
“Which is why you’re the most sought-after assassin in Europe.”
He didn’t answer. We both knew it was the truth.
We were near the top, with the entire island visible from this vantage point. Ocean waves rippled in the distance as far as one could see. Alessio’s steps grew louder. Suddenly, he brushed by me, overtaking the lead.
“Was I boring you, assassino?”
“No, but you are slowing me down.”
His powerful leg muscles popped and shifted beneath his running pants. I let myself enjoy the sight as he increased our pace. “If you don’t kill me, what happens?”
He shook his head. “Let it go, principe.”
“Why? It’s not like I need to worry that I’ll piss you off. And I’m genuinely curious.”
“The people who order these things are generally not forgiving people.”
“How do I know unless you give me a name? Maybe it’s the Pope.”
A deep chuckle floated between us. “You have a high opinion of yourself.”
We started down the other side of the hill. This required more concentration to guard against slipping and falling on my ass. For a tall man, Alessio moved like a damn mountain goat. He was pulling away. But I needed to keep him close.
“So the men, the car bomb,” I called out. “How would you find them?”
