Chapter 42. Then-The Heart of Darkness

Epilogue: "MONDAY, THE EIGHTH-THE MURDER MOST FOUL"

In this chapter, Notch is preparing for a significant event that will earn him four million dollars and a new life. Despite the horrible task ahead, he is excited about the possibilities. He reflects on his preparations, including the bullets provided by Walther and the farewell calls to his friends Sec and Walther. He packs his belongings, ensuring he leaves no trace of his previous life. As he walks out of his apartment for the last time, he experiences a moment of doubt and pain, symbolized by a white owl flying overhead and a feather landing at his feet. He arrives at the location, disguises himself with a fake beard, and waits for the right moment. He encounters a nervous patsy and a doorman, but everything goes according to plan. The chapter ends with Notch ready to carry out his final contract, raising his pistol as the patsy yells out the name of the victim.

Chapter 45: "NOW: FRIDAY THE NINETEENTH, GRAND CAYMEN"

In this chapter, Gabriella arrives at Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman on Friday, the 19th. The local time is 11:10 AM, and the weather is rainy and 81 degrees. As she disembarks from the plane, she nervously scans the crowd gathered on the tarmac, hoping to see a familiar face, but she doesn't. Gabi stands frozen in place as the last of the passengers enter the terminal. It starts to rain, mirroring the tears that begin to roll down her face, which is described as the most beautiful face that God had ever created.

Chapter 44: NOW: MONDAY NIGHT THE EIGHTH, TETELESTAI

In this chapter, the Notch recounts a significant event that took place on Monday night. He’s in the lobby of a fancy East Side apartment building, preparing to carry out a hit. He shoots the target four times in the heart and quickly exits to the basement. He reflects on the ease of the kill and the lack of need for a coup de grâce. He encounters a small dog and its owner on his way out, and then drives to Miami with the money from the hit. He  disposes of the overcoat used during the hit and continues to reflect on his actions and the consequences. He meets with Rand Centra, a contact in Miami, and discusses the recent events and the deaths of Sarge. Notch plans to send money to Gabriella and his brother Rich, and contemplates his future and the possibility of reuniting with Gabriella. The chapter ends with Notch being ambushed and shot by one of his associates, leading to a violent confrontation and  his eventual death. Notch’s  final moments are filled with reflections on his life, his actions, and the people he cared about.

Chapter 43. "NOW: MONDAY, THE EIGHTH-ALL THESE I SHALL GIVE TO YOU"

In this chapter, Notch recounts a significant event that occurred last Tuesday. A woman, described as hideous and emotionless, entered his life with a proposition. She offers him four million dollars in cash to kill her husband. Despite his initial reluctance due to the immorality of the deed, Notch sees this as an opportunity to end his current half-life and gain the financial means to disappear and possibly reunite with Gabriella, a woman he deeply cares about. He imagines a romantic reunion with Gabriella in the Cayman Islands, although he is aware that this fantasy may not come true. Ultimately, he decides to accept the contract, driven by the hope of finding happiness and escaping his current life.

Chapter 42. Then-The Heart of Darkness

In this chapter, Notch reflects on a significant event from September 1979. Sec and Walter, try to lift his spirits by inviting him to watch the film "Apocalypse Now" at the Ziegfeld Theatre. Notch, initially reluctant, agrees to go because of his admiration for Marlon Brando, who stars in the film. The movie brings back memories of the Vietnam War, and Notch  shares his thoughts on the film's inaccuracies and its impact on him. He recalls his experiences with MACV-SOG soldiers and various operations he participated in during the war. He also observes the reactions of other veterans in the audience, noting their shared understanding and unspoken bond. The chapter ends with Notch reflecting on the film's portrayal of the war and its effect on him, as well as his enjoyment of people-watching during the movie.