Area 7

I'll try to be quick. Sincere thanks once again to:

Natalie Freer — who gets to see (and put up with) my creative eccentricities up close. Her patience and generosity know no bounds.

My brother, Stephen Reilly — tortured writer, constructive and creative critic, and good friend; and to his wife, Rebecca Ryan, because they come as a package.

My wonderful parents — Ray and Denise Reilly — for encouraging me to build miniature movie sets for my Star Wars action figures when I was a kid; my creativity comes directly from them.

My good friends John Schrooten, Nik and Simon Kozlina, the whole Kay clan (notably Don, who made me shrink the size of the cats in Temple), and to Paul Whyte for accompanying me on an extraordinary trip to Utah while researching this book.

A special mention to two American friends — Captain Paul M. Woods, U.S. Army, and Gunnery Sergeant Kris Hankinson, USMC (retired), who generously gave of their time and assisted me with the military details of this book. Any mistakes are mine, and were made over their objections.

And finally, once again, thanks to everyone at Pan Macmillan and Thomas Dunne Books. This is our fourth outing together and it still rocks. Thanks to Gate Paterson, Jane Novak, Sarina Rowell, Paul Kenny, and Pete Wolverton. And, of course, as always, to the sales reps for the countless hours they spend on the road between bookstores.

To anyone who knows a writer, never underestimate the power of your encouragement.

All right! Now on with the show…