A Hitman Walks Into a Bar ... by Michael S. Vassel

Sometimes a simple question can lead to the darkest of places. After announcing his retirement to his friends at a local bar, Mike is unexpectedly left to celebrate alone. As boredom sets in, he notices the bar's only other patron – a man in a grey suit sitting at the other end of the room. Taking a seat next to the stranger, Mike introduces himself in hopes of striking up a conversation. As their dialog ensues, Mike asks a seemingly harmless question. "So, my friend, what do you do for a living?" Mark Castle, the dark figure beside him, gives a hint of a smile as he replies, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Intrigued by this answer, Mike persists. Eventually Mark gives in. "Well, if you must know, I'm a hitman … and for the price of a beer or two, I'll tell you my story." Fascinated and wanting to know more, Mike agrees to this deal. The question is, will the story be worth it … or will the telling of the tale be more than he's bargained for?