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EXCERPT
She began to enjoy the interview. Zeppa was an intellectual, and needed the discussion, the debate, or as Arlene put it: "the cerebral challenge".
"Everybody has a price, my dear, even you."
"I don't think I could be bribed."
"Not with a dinner or a hundred bucks. I am sure about that. However, if I told you that I am willing to pay you ten grand to spend a night with me, would it start you thinking?"
"First, the idea is ridiculous. To start with, I am not a prostitute. Second, you are in there and you cannot possibly get out ever. Even if I said yes, you would not be able to put your theory to the test. If you escaped, I'd call the cops, and nothing would come of it."
"How about twenty thousand?"
"For argument's sake I say yes, provided you took off that ridiculous goatee. What does it prove?"
"It is a deal. You just proved my point; everybody has a price. I was sixteen when I made my first hit. The boss paid me a hundred dollars. As I was never prosecuted for the deed, please, don't ask for any details."
"How about your method of operation?"
"Every hit has to be prepared properly. Sometimes I had to do everything including the research into the habits and movements of the target. These hits are expensive and require a large advance. However, working for an organization like the CIA, the KGB, or the MI5 they usually take care of the planning, or hire an expert to do it for you. Pulling the trigger is not a very challenging aspect of the project. Actually it is a relief."
"Can you walk me through a job you did including the planning and the preparation? I would like to understand what is involved."
"I could, but it would not be fair. If I told you the details of a case the police caught me doing, it would not help you, because I or somebody else screwed up. I cannot tell you about those contracts, which the cops did not stick me with because if they read your writings, I would be back in court."
"What do you suggest?"
"I cannot do it sitting here and telling you the details off the cuff. One has to think through a hit, just as you plan a lecture at the university. Are you willing to give me the specifications, or should I dream them up?"
"It is better if you set up an imaginary contract, because if I did it and someone would be murdered that way, I could be held accountable."
"Very well, give me a little time. I will give you a case study."
"Thank you, Mr. Zeppa."
"Call me Mario, please, I am not that old, besides we have a deal that you'll spend a night with me for twenty big ones if I get the goatee off."
"If you escape from prison, the deal is off," said Arlene quickly.
"I wouldn't dream of escaping. I like it here."
"I am going to ask the warden to provide you with the appropriate pens, pencils, and paper."
"Don't bother, my dear, I have a computer in my cell with Internet access, and all the comforts of home. Actually, it would be the best if you conducted the interview in there, but it is against regulations. If you have an e-mail address, I let you know when I am ready with the first installment of the case study."
"I appreciate it, Mario. See you in a couple of weeks."
On her way back to Toronto, Arlene was thinking about the interview. The judge convicted Zeppa for killing more than ten people for a fee, and sentenced him to life without parole. Why did the prison officials keep him in solitary confinement, and gave him all the comforts of home? When she got home, she called Hollis...
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