In the captivating debut novel 'Intercession', author Louis Romano introduces us to the enigmatic John Deegan, a character who both fascinates and horrifies, captivating the hearts of readers despite his dark proclivities as a serial killer. But who, exactly, is John Deegan?
John Joseph Deegan, the second of six children born to Jack Joseph Deegan and Maureen Duffy, carries the weight of his Irish heritage, with a hint of German ancestry woven into his lineage. Raised in the vibrant yet gritty streets of the Bronx, New York, he was burdened with the expectations of his devout mother, who fervently believed he was destined for greatness.
From an early age, Maureen instilled in John the belief that he was chosen for a sacred calling—to become a priest and ascend to the highest echelons of the Catholic Church, perhaps even reaching the Vatican as a cardinal. Yet, deep down, John never shared this ambition. The pressure to fulfill his mother’s dreams weighed heavily on him, shaping his identity in ways he could not yet comprehend.
Tragically, his childhood took a dark turn when, in the second grade of Catholic elementary school, he became the target of a predatory priest. This harrowing experience would irrevocably alter the trajectory of his life and the lives of countless others. It marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey that would lead him far from the path his mother envisioned.
As he navigated the halls of high school, John distinguished himself as the most diligent student, a model of compliance. Yet, his molester, seeking to exploit him, passed him on to his superior, the bishop. After graduating as valedictorian, John dutifully followed his mother’s wishes and enrolled at Villanova University, eventually entering the seminary. However, the specter of sexual deviance loomed large, forcing him to abandon his clerical aspirations and enlist in the United States Army.
His exceptional intellect and aptitude led him to Special Operations, a euphemism for a life steeped in covert, lethal endeavors. John excelled in the shadows, to the extent that the government sought to retain him for further clandestine missions. But instead of continuing down that path, he channeled his genius into the world of finance, amassing not just millions, but billions on Wall Street. With his fortune secured, he retired, liberated to pursue his true desire: revenge.
With no ties to a wife, children, or hobbies, John embarked on a relentless quest for vengeance, starting with the very priest who had shattered his childhood. Armed with a hand-sharpened wooden crucifix, he sent his tormentor to the depths of hell. What began as a singular act of retribution ignited a fervor within him—he discovered not just a taste for killing, but a profound love for it.
Thus began his crusade, a mission to avenge the innocent and vulnerable, propelling him into the ranks of the most wanted serial killers in history. His bloody path led him to the very heart of the Vatican, where infamy awaited him. The more he killed, the deeper he sank into the intoxicating thrill of his dark pursuits…
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