A Murder Most Foul: The Life of a Hitman

In this chapter, Notch finds himself alone in Gabriella's house for the first time. He takes the opportunity to vacuum and then snoop around, discovering various items that give him insight into Gabriella's life. He finds a small record collection, a variety of books, some recreational drugs, and alcohol. He also goes through her closet, imagining her in different outfits, which leads to a moment of self-awareness about his own nud...

In this chapter, Notch wakes up to the sound of Gabriella in the kitchen. They share a tender morning, discussing their love for New Orleans and the possibility of starting a new life in Youngstown. Gabriella reveals she has money saved up from her work, hinting at a future together. Their playful banter leads to a moment of intimacy, where Notch feels a deep sense of completeness and redemption.

Gabriella prepares to leave for wor...

In this chapter, Notch and Gabriella continue their adventure in New Orleans. They visit the famous Carousel Bar at the Monteleone Hotel, where they sit on whimsical animal chairs and enjoy Vieux Carres, a classic New Orleans cocktail. Gabriella leaves the protagonist with a room key and a tantalizing promise, leading to a passionate encounter in the luxurious FJ Monteleone Suite. The chapter captures Notch’s deep connection with G...

In this chapter, Notch and Gabriella visit a high-end men's clothing store to buy a linen suit, dress shirt, and shoes. Gabriella takes charge, referring to Notch as her husband, which surprises him but also makes him feel admired by the store's salesmen. The salesmen treat Gabriella with great respect and cater to her every request, even when she insists on buying expensive Italian loafers for Notch.

Notch is measured for his suit...

In this chapter, the Notch is awoken by Gabriella, who urges him to get ready for a day out in New Orleans. They plan to catch the 9:30 ferry and have breakfast at Café Du Monde. The protagonist is struck by Gabriella's beauty and her choice of a silky sundress. As they leave her house, they encounter Miss Kelly, Gabriella's neighbor, who makes some playful comments about their relationship.

During their ferry ride across the Missi...

In this chapter, Notch finds himself in an intimate and reflective moment with Gabi, who presents him with a gift: a book of poetry by Francesco Petrarca, also known as Petrarch. The Gabi reads a sonnet in Italian, which deeply moves him, even though he doesn't understand the language. The sonnet speaks of love, desire, and inner conflict, resonating with Notch’s own feelings. He reads the English translation aloud, feeling a profo...

Chapter 30: Then-Happiness is Hard to Take

In this emotionally charged episode, Notch wakes up disoriented and reflects on the strange turns his life has taken. As he lies in bed, he recalls a night over ten years ago when he was alone in the Continental, waiting to be shipped back to the States, and wondering about Gabriella. The chapter delves into his deep connection with Gabriella, who emerges from the shower and shares a tende...

In this thrilling episode, we follow the journey of Notch as he navigates the complexities of his past and present. After killing Ashby,  he decided he needs a vacation and this leads him to explore New Orleans, leading him to a series of unexpected events. From a creepy nighttime walk to a strip club, to an encounter with a mesmerizing dancer named Pocahontas Blue, the protagonist's night takes a turn he never anticipated. The dan...

Chapter 28: Then-For Matilda

In this gripping episode, Notch, shares a poignant and chilling story about a special request from a dying woman. Missus Ashby, battling cancer, hires our hitman to avenge her daughter's tragic death caused by her ex-husband. With a promise to wait six months after her passing, the hitman embarks on a mission filled with tension, honor, and a chilling confrontation. Tune in to hear the full story of how...

Chapter 27: THEN: LOSING IT

In this chapter, Notch faces a significant challenge when tasked with eliminating Osborne Whyte, an author whose writings have drawn the ire of powerful individuals. Despite the lucrative contract, Notch finds himself intrigued by Whyte's work and humor, which reminds him of Mark Twain. This curiosity leads him to attend Whyte's lecture and even accept an invitation to dinner with Whyte's family. The eve...

Chapter 26: THEN: HIT LADY

In this chapter, Notch, Sec, and Walter watch a TV movie called "Hit Lady," featuring a beautiful actress, Yvette Mimieux, playing a hitwoman. They find the movie amusing and unrealistic, as the Mimieux's attractiveness and attention-grabbing outfits make her an unlikely assassin. They joke about the movie's portrayal of a hitwoman and discuss the importance of blending in and not being noticeable in thei...

Chapter 25: THEN: ALL IN THE FAMILY

In this chapter,  Notch receives a significant contract from the Mafia, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The job involves taking out the owner of a construction company during the grand opening of a shopping mall in Chicago. He meticulously plans the hit, choosing a long-distance shot from a building under construction. Despite the challenges posed by the windy city, he successfully execut...

Chapter 24: THEN: NEW DIGS

In this chapter, Notch finds himself in a new environment after a period of uncertainty and wandering. He is taken in by Sec, who provides him with a temporary place to stay and introduces him to a new way of operating. Notch learns about the intricacies of his new life, including the importance of never disposing of a target and always working through trusted cleaners. He also meets Walther, an armorer w...

Chapter 23: THEN: 1973, LIKE A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

In this chapter, Notch reflects on the tumultuous period following the disbandment of their team. Feeling lost and directionless, he wanders aimlessly, engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as drinking, fighting, and whoring. Eventually, he reaches out to a contact named Sec, who was part of Sarge's team in Korea. Sec helps the Notch transition into the civilian side of their wo...

Chapter 22.  NOW: SUNDAY, THE SEVENTH: THE FINAL APPROACH

Notch is on the brink of a high-stakes mission, preparing for a pivotal moment on Monday night. As he contemplates the gravity of his actions and the potential consequences, he is haunted by thoughts of Gabriella, the woman he loves. The chapter explores themes of love, guilt, and the hope for redemption, all set against the backdrop of a dangerous and complex operation. Joi...

Chapter 21 - Then- 1973 DEATH AND TRANSFIGURATION

Notch’s world is turned upside down on January 22, 1973, when Sarge, the leader of their team, announces the disbandment of their unit. The revelation of Sarge's involvement in high-profile assassinations, including the one in Dallas, shocks the team. As they grapple with the implications of their past actions and the sudden end of their operations, Notch is forced to confront his o...

Chapter 20. NOW- SATURDAY, THE SIXTH: IN MY OWN WRITE

In this episode, Notch finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating his past actions and the consequences they have wrought. As he prepares for a pivotal moment on Monday night, he is haunted by thoughts of Gabriella, the woman he loves, and the possibility of redemption. The chapter explores themes of love, guilt, and the hope for a fresh start, all set against the backdrop of ...

Chapter 19. Then: I Want to be in America (Canada)

Chapter 19 describes Notch’s arrival in Seattle, Washington on October 11, 1971, marking the end of his Vietnam adventure. He is met by Sarge and Richard at the airport, and they drive to Sarge's compound in Canada. The chapter details the logistics of being based in Canada, including the importance of moving across the border with little attention.  Notch is given a Canadian passp...

18. NOW- FRIDAY, THE FIFTH: CHEERS THEN

In this gripping episode, we delve into the tense and dangerous world of professional hitmen. Join us as we follow the Notch's encounter with Walther, a seasoned gunsmith, who opens the door with a 357 Magnum in hand. The atmosphere is thick with the smell of metal, gunpowder, and cleaning fluid, contrasting with the Norman Rockwell painting-like front room. As they share a...