The Old Pro by H. A. Derosso

Originally published December 1960 in Manhunt; this edition 1995

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Collected in: Hard-Boiled: An Anthology of American Crime Stories (ed. Bill Pronzini & Jack Adrian)

MA15+

Considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age; legally restricted

(S, D, V, L)

Mild Sexual Activity {PG}

Drug Use {PG} {alcohol, tobacco}

Violence {MA15+}

Coarse Language {PG}

Representations

Gender:

One woman in story, a symbol of what is good in life and worth fighting for.

Sex:

Only a single heterosexual relationship.

Race & Ethnicity:

Unmentioned; characters presumed white US citizens.

Disability, Physical Diversity and Health:

Disfigurement by acid as a threat.

Awards

None found. Was adapted as an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Notes

Despite being more a crime story than a detective one, I liked this. Retired contract killer discovers you can't get out.