Paranoia Chapter 87: Waiting for the Hit
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Kevin Doyle sits in his car outside Island Delight and the bodega, waiting to kill Nantes. A Chrysler minivan with children blocks his view of Nantes standing inside the glass door. Frustrated, Doyle reminds himself that patience is the motto of every successful contract killer. He thinks about Tammy from the diner, wondering if romantic entanglements are making him more eager to leave New York. The minivan eventually moves forward one space; Doyle seizes the moment and pulls out onto the street, still able to see Nantes talking to someone inside. Doyle considers this conversation likely the last one Nantes will ever have.
Key Events
- Doyle arrives at the location to kill Nantes but is blocked by a minivan.
- He observes Nantes standing inside the bodega, talking to another person.
- Doyle mentally recites the importance of patience in his profession.
- His thoughts drift to Tammy and the complications of romance.
- The minivan moves forward, opening a gap for Doyle to reposition.
- Doyle pulls his car onto the street, maintaining visual contact with Nantes.
Character Development
Kevin Doyle reveals a tension between his professional code and personal impulses. Although he knows patience is essential, he admits he would rather be under fire than wait. His mention of Tammy suggests that recent romantic contact has made him restless—a distraction he normally avoids. This chapter deepens Doyle’s characterization as a disciplined killer whose discipline is fraying.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Impatience vs. Patience – The entire chapter contrasts Doyle’s internal urgency with the methodical patience required for a successful hit. The minivan becomes a symbol of the obstacles that test his self-control. Romantic Entanglement – Doyle’s thoughts of Tammy introduce the motif of personal relationships interfering with professional duties. The Gun – Mentioned as a backup plan, the pistol represents the violence Doyle is ready to deploy if the opportunity arises.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter increases narrative tension by focusing on the moments before a planned assassination. It humanizes Doyle by exposing his impatience and emotional ties, while also highlighting the psychological toll of contract killing. The cliffhanger—Doyle watching Nantes in his “last conversation”—sets up an impending violent confrontation.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Doyle think about Tammy while waiting?
He believes romantic entanglements always cause complications. Tammy may be influencing his desire to hurry the job and leave New York quickly. -
What does the minivan blocking Doyle’s view represent?
It represents the unpredictable obstacles that test a killer’s patience. Doyle must resist the urge to do something reckless, like backing over the curb, to avoid drawing attention. -
How does the chapter illustrate the theme of patience?
Doyle explicitly states that patience is the motto of every successful contract killer and that rushing leads to capture. His frustration at waiting shows that even a professional struggles with this virtue.