The Bellini Card

76

The name: now the time had come. He had come for the last name.

The man shivered in the sunlight.

It was about to end. They would take their little walk again, for the last time.

The assassin a few paces behind him, like a respectful bride.

Or like a hunter, stalking its prey.

Their last walk.

The last name.

The last death.

The man blew out his lips and told himself to think of the payment. They had promised him-enough. Like Venetians they had weighed, assessed, and judged him, as though they knew his price.

The fear of death, and the hope of gold.

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and began to walk.