A Hitman Walks Into a Bar ...

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?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It's now 1983, more than three years after the fateful night in which Mark lost his friends ... and most of the powers he called his gift.Having graduated from high school the year before, Mark knows he wants to go on to college. But he also knows he can't afford it. "Join the Army," a friend suggests. "They're giving me enough for a four-year degree! I'm sure you can get a similar deal!"With lack of a better answer, Mark acquiesces, and is soon on his way to becoming an infantryman. But, upon reaching the halfway point of his training, he's approached by an officer bearing an unusual offer."How would you like to come work for me?" the Lieutenant Colonel asks.A wide-eyed Mark thinks for a moment before he responds, "What would the job entail?""Unfortunately, because of the nature of the assignment, I can't tell you about it unless you agree to take it," the Colonel states. "The only thing I can tell you is that, with your skills, you are uniquely qualified."Should Mark take this enigmatic job? What assignment could he be uniquely suited for? And, more importantly, if he agrees to the Colonel's offer, where will this mysterious job lead him?