Ashes to Ashes

AUTHOR'S NOTE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

MY THANKS AND HEARTFELT GRATITUDE first and foremost to Special Agent Larry Brubaker, FBI, for so generously sharing his time and expertise. I state unequivocally he was not the pattern for Vince Walsh! (Sorry about that, Bru.) I will also note here that between beginning this book and finishing it, a number of changes have taken place in the FBI units formerly—and within this story—known as Investigative Support and CASKU (Child Abduction Serial Killer Unit). Now under the blanket heading of the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, the agents in this unit no longer work sixty feet below ground at the FBI Academy in Quantico. Literally moving up in the world, they get to have windows in their new place. Not as interesting for writers, but the agents appreciate it.

My sincere gratitude also to the following law enforcement and legal services professionals for graciously giving their time to answer my many questions. As always, I've done my best to bring a feeling of authenticity to the jobs depicted within this book. Any mistakes made or liberties taken in the name of fiction are my own.

Frances James, Hennepin County Victim/Witness Program

Donna Dunn, Olmsted County Victim Services

Sergeant Bernie Martinson, Minneapolis PD

Special Agent in Charge Roger Wheeler, FBI

Lieutenant Dale Barsness, Minneapolis PD

Detective John Reed, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

Andi Sisco: A million thanks for making connections for me! You're a star.

Diva Karyn, aka Elizabeth Grayson: Special thanks for some inspired suggestions regarding a particularly gruesome fetish used herein. Who says suspense writers have cornered the market on disgusting knowledge?

Brain Dead author Eileen Dreyer: Thanks for the usual support, technical and otherwise.

Diva Bush, aka Kim Cates: For more of the same.

And special thanks, Rocket, for your support, empathy, encouragement, and the occasional necessary kick in the ass. Misery loves company.