How completely annoying. I typed out a big long review and it got wiped out. Grawr.

There are two sentences near the beginning that don't make any sense, but since this is so old I doubt you care about making it better.

I like how you gave the main character a personality even though he doesn't seem to think he has one himself outside of his job. You let his personality shine in the things he says and the way he describes things. It's subtle and a good effect.

I also like the irony and the meaning. This is a really good story. I wish you were still on fictionpress actively posting stories... it's a shame I won't get to read much else of what you've written. :(

-Jesse
Attack of the review marathon! (link in my profile)

For some reason, I needed to read this story. It affects me differently than when I first read it - I can't believe its 3 years old - but I feel horrible. Death inescapable...how do you face that? Take pride in knowing your killer will be dealt the same blow? What if your killer is the system or a nurse in a nursing home who doesn't give a damn about you. What then? I suppose it's all the same thing...Bacardi Apple Rum is great...but not great enough to stop me from thinking about death. I cannot believe my father is dead.

Damn...damn, damn, damn! Such realism! Such hopelessness! Why didn't you tell me you wrote this? It's so intense! So...damn, I actually felt sorry for the guy. Very well written, as always. Personally, I think this is the best story you've written, along side with Amere Amelia.

Great job, Alison!!

Interesting plot and beautifully written. The understated tragedy at the end is especially fitting for the mood. Thumbs up! =)

this was fantastic. You're an excellent writer, just for the record. Very good job! I'm adding this to my faves list, and in case you're not already in it, you're going in my fave authors list too.

I love the way you prolong the suspense, the tension. I keep thinking "he'll make it, he'll make it", hoping there'd be a way out, but then the beginning made everything darn clear, didn't it?

Loved the Star Trek and the Elvis, and the bathroom scene. You're very good! Keep writing!

~Luke

I try to find constructive criticism to give but you make it too hard! So, the only negative thing I have to say is...WHY AREN'T YOU WRITING ANOTHER CHAPTER TO ROWENA?!?
Ok, I'm done. :)

This is an intriguing story… You hold onto the certainty of Richard’s inevitable death while capturing the dread of knowing you’re about to die, and you do it superbly. It makes for a fascinating read I have to admit. This was well written and well conceived as a story, and laced with the wry humour that I love about your writing. “How ** ironic.” Just beautiful. It’s the kind of story that could never be accurately conveyed in a film or a television programme, but only in words. Your words. Nicely done Alison!

I loved the opening paragraphs. Very true, but that makes it better for the creatures involved.

Loved your character. I'm fascinated by assassins in fantasy and their modern equivalent has to be contract killers. And again I always had the taste for the things that 'are not nice'.

I'm glad he understand what the future holds for him, if he stays on this path. Most 'heroes' tend to think they are indestructible and this makes them boring. Glad to see this is not the case here.

The bathroom scene was just perfect. And so was the Star Trek detail.

And I loved how you kept me hanging on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if he'd make it. Well, he didn't. And it was the perfect ending.

First let me express the exhilaration I felt seeing you had added a new story. Second let me move on from that expression of exhilaration! :P
(note: I reviewed as I went!)
*lol* Travel the world doing something he enjoys, eh? His favourite pastime - killing folks for cash! :p
Hahahaha: "your last thought before he pumped a bullet into your brain is: where's the Star Trek convention?" Very nice, very nice!
For some reason this cracked me up completely, probably beyond what it would do to a normal person: "pursue my life-long dream of Elvis impersonating." I mean yes it's funny but THAT funny? *ahem* But anyway...loving this!
Here's a few suggestions for changes:
--It's amazing as to the depth of ** that floods your brain when you're about to die.-- I think you can leave out the 'as to' and have it say, 'It's amazing the depth of **...' Then again, as I read it that way now it doesn't sound quite right either. But anyway...maybe you can think of something better.
--The natural order of things can't be changed, nor will [it] ever.--
I love how to our protagonist it "all seemed worth it" in that moment when he told the killer it'll happen to him.
I must say that was a rather bleak story, yet intriguing. And the mere fact that you've added something, ANYTHING, is rather thrilling in itself! Arson's got her muse, or had it for a moment anyway *G* Please cling onto it and write more! Wring it for all it's worth!
p.s. Only looking back at the top again did I realise the repetition you included, of young geek boy's impatient "Well?" That was pretty damn cool. But anyway...great work! I greatly admire you for writing with male protagonists, as that is something I've never really tried at length.