Dead Line

Acknowledgments

I’m fortunate, blessed even, to have spent my adult life coming and going from a newsroom, especially in cities as vibrant as Boston and Washington, and more especially for a newspaper as thoughtful and compelling as The Boston Globe. To that end, I owe many good people my thanks on this project, whether they realize it or not. I’ve learned and borrowed significantly from the exhaustive work that the Globe’s Steve Kurkjian invested into the Gardner Museum theft, and have been aided by his wise counsel. Likewise, the late Elizabeth Neuffer, who died too young, too tragically, in Iraq, wrote one of the most enduring and extensive stories on the theft, which helped me immensely. And I was also was enlightened by the fascinating stories written by Tom Mashberg for the Boston Herald.

I’d also like to thank a former federal investigator and a current one, both of whom prefer the cloak of anonymity, but were generous with their time and insights. Thanks as well to Pam Bendock, a trusted veterinarian and good friend, who guided me through some touchy aspects of the text. And much gratitude to friend and former colleague Mitch Zuckoff for his keen eye.

I could never properly thank the wonderful people of International Creative Management for starting me on this novel writing venture and then propelling me along the way. Specifically, Richard Abate has been invaluable — in his ability to make deals, provide sage counsel, and offer constant encouragement. There is no better agent. Thanks as well to his ever efficient and always calm assistant, Kate Lee, for overseeing all the details and being immeasurably kind.

At Atria Books, I have been granted the firsthand benefit of Emily Bestler’s legendary skills — both with words and with those who write them. She nipped and tucked and pushed and prodded and made this a far better book for her efforts. Sarah Branham, an associate editor, ably oversaw every aspect of publication, and I appreciate her work immensely. A special debt to Laura Mullen, a real pro, who gets the word out to the people who matter. And as always, as ever, thanks to George Lucas, my first editor and my friend. He taught me more about writing books than I ever realized I could learn.

Thanks as well to the great people of the Globe, who have entrusted me with jobs better than I would have ever dared dream, whether it be roving the country as a national reporter or covering the White House or, as now, writing a twice-a-week column. Michael Larkin hired me and edits me now; I have no idea how to thank a guy for all he’s done. Heartfelt thanks as well to editor Marty Baron, a newsman to the core — thoughtful, and demanding.

And to family and friends, the people I’ve known forever who offer the deepest and most important encouragement, I can say only this: Thank you.