DARKEST HOUR A TRUE STORY / TRUE CRIME Author writes of Mafia hitman's true life's story. John Alite was the notorious hitman for the Gotti and Gambino crime family in New York City in the 80's & 90's, killing and maiming over a hundred other gangsters throughout his carrier as a hitman. An inspirational, heartfelt journey down a path of seemingly no return... Through a life of heartache, betrayal, and loss, comes a story of grace, healing and redemption. S.C. Pike brings John Alite's story to life in such a way it will make the reader feel they are living in his shoes. Starting from a young age and moving into adulthood, the reader will come to have an appreciation for all the influences that swayed Mr. Alite to succumb to living a life of crime. Former Mafia Enforcer for John Gotti and the Gambino Crime Family, John Alite, shares his life story in a unique way, in hopes to dispel the mystique of the mob and sway anyone from living a life of crime. * * * He's had too many darkest hours to count, but he's pushed through them all with a spirited perseverance, tenacity of mind, and a strength of purpose. Just like everything else in his life, he's met adversity head on with fierce determination and a resoluteness to come out on top. * * * A college baseball scholarship was his way out of the inner city, but his dreams of going pro were crushed by an arm injury. John Alite was forced to return home to the only life he knew, where having to live on the streets of New York meant one thing--learning how to survive. He was driven. He was extreme. He was feared. But most of all, he was loyal. From a young age, he found himself influenced by the wrong crowd. Enticed by the wealth, power, and prestige of the mafia, he immersed himself in a world that was foreign to most. A society where policies were enforced by instilling fear. Those at the top were about obtaining and harnessing absolute power, while covertly using their own warped codes of ethics. Honor and loyalty were merely a misnomer. The cold, bitter truth was, he was expendable, and his sworn allegiance was rewarded with betrayal. On the run and unable to trust anyone, John was finally forced to confront his own demon--himself. Facing the harsh realities of who he was and what he had done wasn't pretty, and he had some serious, life-altering decisions to make. Ones that would come with a price. Through a life of heartache, betrayal, and loss comes a story of grace, healing, and redemption. BOOK ONE OF A