High Country Nocturne

Paying My Debts

Cal Lash has lived a remarkable American adventure. Part of it involves being a Phoenix Police patrolman, sergeant, and detective, as well as a private investigator and diamond courier. I am grateful for his patience in answering my many questions. The same goes for Ellie Strang, R.N., who was most helpful on the medical front.

Help also came from David R. Foster, a deputy Maricopa County Attorney, and Lt. Rob Settembre of the Phoenix Police.

I am indebted to my friend Tom Zoellner for his book, The Heartless Stone: A Journey Through The World of Diamonds, Deceit and Desire. The title says it all, except that this is the best piece of journalism on the subject.

As always, blame me for any errors, inconsistencies, and deliberate changes in procedures or descriptions.

Barbara Peters, my editor at the Poisoned Pen Press, is rightly considered the finest editor working in the mystery field. I’ve been blessed to have her guidance through most of the Mapstone novels. I’m also grateful to Robert Rosenwald, president of the Poisoned Pen Press, and an excellent staff including Suzan Baroni, Beth Deveny, Diane DiBiase, Annette Rogers, and Pete Zrioka. They make this a gem among America’s independent publishing houses.