The paradox of the trial
Everyone in town knows that Richard's profession is killing people for payment. Many people, such as Horn and Ferris, have used Richard's profession to eliminate their rivals. However, towards the novel's end, Richard kills Horn, and he is arrested and taken for trial. Paradoxically, the court finds Richard not guilty and sets him free to do whatever he wants. Releasing a serial killer like Richard and giving him the freedom to do whatever he pleases contradicts the expectation of the courts.
The irony of Applethorpe
Applethorpe is Michael's mentor and trainer. Even after training many people for years, Applethorpe knows that Richard is a force to reckon with. When Horn forces Richard to kill Michael, the battle is arranged, and the day of the fight is set. Ironically, Applethorpe suggests that he can fight Richard instead of Michael, who he considers inexperienced. During the fight, Richard kills Applethorpe. The satire in this context is that Applethorpe knew very well that Richard could not be defeated, but he went ahead to risk his life.
The paradox of vengeance
The agreement between Richard and Lord Horn is that Richard has to kill Michael for him to release Alec. Horn kidnaps Alec, Richard's girlfriend after he refuses to kill Michael. When Michael kills Applethorpe, who offered to represent Michael, Horn releases Alec because he no longer has the reason for holding her. Ironically, Richard takes revenge by killing Horn, who had already released Alec. The iron goes back also to their various assignments and cooperation. Horn had used Richard to kill all his rivals, but at last, he became the victim of the killer he had used to eliminate his competitors.
