Chapter 40. "THEN: HOME IS WHERE THE HIT IS-WASTE MANAGEMENT"

Chapter 40, "THEN: HOME IS WHERE THE HIT IS-WASTE MANAGEMENT": In this chapter, Notch recounts a contract he took on for a crime family to eliminate a drug dealer in New Jersey. The hitman describes the meticulous planning and execution of the hit, including the elimination of the drug dealer's bodyguards and a Doberman that attacked him. He reflects on the challenges and dangers of his profession, particularly the issue of collateral damage, which often includes killing dogs and sometimes innocent bystanders. Notch also shares a conversation with his handler, Sec, who expresses concern over the excessive violence and the potential repercussions from the powerful crime family. Despite the successful completion of the hit, Notch is warned to lay low and avoid further work with the Cosa Nostra due to the heat generated by the collateral damage. The chapter delves into the hitman's internal struggles and the moral complexities of his profession, highlighting the fine line between professional detachment and the emotional toll of taking lives. It provides a gritty and introspective look into the life of a contract killer, emphasizing the constant danger and the psychological impact of the job.