Author Dr. Richard Marcs invites you to participate in a literary experiment. Each week he will read a chapter in his unpublished manuscript A Murder Most Foul: The Life of a Hitman, and invites you to comment, question, and suggest alterations and improvements on the story.
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 aveng…
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. Despi…
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 a…
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 construc…
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 sta…
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,…
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…
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 revelatio…
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…
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 Ri…
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 seasone…
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 p…
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…
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, …
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 Obs…
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," whic…
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 amon…
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 "gedun…
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 …
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 G…