Chapter 41, "THEN: L'ANGE VENGEUR DE LA JUSTICE":

In this chapter, Notch follows his handler Sec's advice and spends a week and a half in Montreal. Although Montreal is known for its beautiful prostitutes, Notch isn’t there for pleasure. Instead, he spends his time eliminating criminals such as pimps, pushers, and other scum from the streets of Montreal. During this period, he kills 14 individuals, earning the nickname "L'ange vengeur de la justice" (The Avenging Angel of Justice) from The Montreal Star.

After his spree in Montreal, he takes a three-month break from work. However, he struggles with his mental state, drinking heavily and engaging in self-destructive behavior. He reflects on his past actions and the emotional toll of his profession, particularly the incident where he let Osborne Whyte go, which marked the beginning of his internal conflict. He grapples with the idea of living a normal life, falling in love, and having a family, but ultimately realizes that the dark abyss of his profession is permanently bound to his soul.

This chapter delves into Notch’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.