A Murder Most Foul: The Life of a Hitman

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...

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 star...

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 attentio...

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...

Chapter 17. THEN: CAPTAIN JAMES T. (OR ‘R’) KIRK   In Chapter 17, Notch reflects on his feelings of loneliness and isolation after returning from Tan Son Nhut Airbase. He contemplates his life as a professional killer and decides to visit Sarge upon his return to the United States. After getting his bandages removed, he visits the Ba Thien Hau temple for contemplation and then goes to the Dhiem Ai...

In Chapter 16, Notch wakes up after being severely injured in a mission. He is greeted by his comrades, Rich, Coop, and Thomas, who inform him that Allan is dead and Sarge was injured.  Sarge ‘awards’ Notch the Order of Ho Chi Minh, which he took off General Lan Tan Fong after killing him. The chapter concludes with Sarge informing the team that their unit is being disbanded and they are being sen...

Chapter 15: THEN-DEATH AND FORNICATION In this chapter, Notch and the team embark on one of their most dangerous missions, an incursion deep into North Vietnam. Their target is General Lan Tan Fong, whose unit conducts raids into Thailand, kidnapping women for forced prostitution. The team travels from Thailand to Laos and then crosses into North Vietnam. The journey is fraught with danger, and th...

Chapter 14: THEN-THE INVISIBLE HANDS OF GOD In this chapter, Notch’s unit often supports a highly classified special ops unit known as MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group). This unit conducted covert unconventional warfare operations during the Vietnam War. Notch’s team, although secret, often provides long-range sniper support during these operations. N...

Chapter 13: THEN-I DON’T SAY ‘SABATAGE’ [SIC] In this chapter, Notch reflects on the power of friendship and camaraderie within their group. They find solace in watching the TV show "Star Trek," which emphasizes the importance of friendship. The group, forged in the fires of their experiences, becomes iron-clad friends. Despite the challenges and dangers they face, they maintain a strong bond and...

Chapter 12: THEN: WILD THINGS In this chapter, the Notch reflects on the wild and unpredictable nature of their life as a hitman. The chapter delves into the camaraderie and intellectual debates among the members of the assassination unit, highlighting their deep bond and shared experiences. Despite the grim nature of their work, the team finds solace in the philosophical discussions and the sense...

CHAPTER 11. THEN: GEDUNKS   In this chapter, Notch and the team are dealing with the intense heat and humidity while sitting around bored. Coop, one of the team members, suggests going out for "gedunks," which is Navy slang for snacks or desserts. The team decides to go to a place called "The Rampant Geisha," which turns out to be a brothel. Despite initial reservations, they end up enjoying “ice...

Chapter 10: Death of a Spy In this intense chapter, Notch faces a moral and emotional dilemma after eliminating Lan Bich Hong, a Viet Cong spy. Notch's mentor, Sarge, reassures them that the mission was necessary to save lives, but Notch struggles with the psychological impact of killing a woman. The chapter delves into the complexities of espionage and sabotage during the Vietnam War, highlightin...

Chapter 9: Death of a Maiden In this gripping chapter, we delve into one of Notch’s most memorable and challenging missions. Tasked with eliminating Lan Bich Hong, the mistress of a high-ranking US General, Notch faces a formidable opponent. Lan Bich Hong, a Viet Cong spy, proves to be both beautiful and deadly. Notch's meticulous planning and execution are put to the test as he navigates the comp...

Chapter 8: Then- Good Morning Vietnam In this chapter, Notch arrives in Vietnam on February 25, 1967, and is greeted by Sarge at Tan Son Nhut Airbase. They head to the Continental Palace Hotel in District One, where Notch is reunited with his brothers. The chapter vividly describes his initial experiences in Vietnam, including the bustling streets of Saigon and the luxurious quarters at the hotel....

Chapter 7: Now: Thursday the Fourth-Casing and Making the Scene In this chapter, the Notch meticulously prepares for the upcoming mission. He meets with Major, who provides a dark burgundy overcoat to ensure Notch is recognizable. Notch is shown the layout of the building, including the entrance, the patsy's position, and the target's approach. Notch’s strategic mind is highlighted as he questions...

Chapter 6: Manifest Destiny In this chapter, we follow Notch as a 15-year-old murderer on the run, navigating the harsh realities of survival. After committing his first murder to protect his foster sister Gabriella, Notch is filled with paranoia and guilt, leading him to constantly move around. His journey takes him south, where he hopes to find work on fishing boats in the Gulf. The chapter vivi...

Chapter 5: NOW-WEDNESDAY, THE FOURTH- EVENING AT 6:00 In this suspenseful chapter, Notch prepares for a crucial meeting with Mr. Major, a key figure in the upcoming mission. Notch is due to case the location early in the morning the following day, but Mr. Major unexpectedly arrives at his apartment. The tension builds as Mr. Major reveals the details of the mission, including the weapon choice and...

Chapter 4: Quivering: A Life In this poignant chapter, Notch reflects on their tumultuous childhood and the events that shaped his life. Born in Wiebling, Oklahoma, and abandoned at Calder Orphanage, the protagonist, originally named William Wiebling, navigates a harsh upbringing filled with foster homes and orphanages. The chapter delves into Notch’s struggles with anger, violence, and survival,...

Chapter 3: Jumping the Broome In this suspenseful chapter, the Notch meticulously prepares for a high-stakes meeting with a potential client. Notch, ever cautious and experienced, senses something off about the generous advance payment and the urgency of the job. The meeting is set at a two-story building on Broome Street, and Notch takes every precaution, including scouting the location a day in...

Chapter 2: Hello, It's Me In this intriguing chapter, we are introduced to the Notch's alias, Jack A. Hertzen, and his complex relationship with his "Secretary," Sec. The Notch, a seasoned hitman, navigates the intricacies of his profession with the help of Sec, his “secretary” who has been his best friend for nearly seven years. The chapter delves into the Notch’s meticulous planning and communic...

In this riveting opening chapter, we are introduced to the protagonist, a seasoned hitman known as Notch. The story begins with a chilling encounter between Notch and a cold-hearted woman who hires him to kill her husband. Despite the lucrative offer of $4 million, Notch is initially hesitant due to the high risk involved. However, the promise of a life free from his violent past and the chance to...

Author Richard Marcs introduces the literary experiment that is A Murder Most Foul: The Life of a Hitman.