I Can See You

Acknowledgments

Danny Agan, for the Hat Squad. And as always, thank you for answering all my many questions on police procedure, even though I keep promising, “Just one more!”

Marc Conterato, for always answering all my medical questions in a way I can always understand.

Sonie Lasker, for introducing me to the notion of the virtual world. I truly thought you were making it up!

Pamela Bolton-Holifield, for the facts on embalming. Someday, we’ll have our gurney race.

Lynn Gutierrez, Colleen Tripp, and Janet Ware, for all the bartending information and wonderful anecdotes.

TinMan, for the hacking jargon from “exploits” to “white hats.”

Terri Bolyard and Kay Conterato, who always listen.

Karen Kosztolnyik, Robin Rue, and Vicki Mellor, for simply everything.

Martin Hafer, for his help in psychological research protocol. And for bringing my dinner when I was on a roll.

As always, all mistakes are my own.

Dear Readers,

I introduce a new group of law enforcement officers in I CAN SEE YOU-the homicide detectives of Minneapolis and their “Hat Squad.”

In reality, the Hat Squad is a group of homicide detectives in Atlanta, Georgia. I was intrigued by the concept and the tradition started by Lieutenant Danny Agan, Atlanta PD, retired. The homicide detectives of Atlanta are presented with a classic felt fedora soon after solving their first homicide-a gift from the other more experienced detectives. They wear their hats on the job, the fabric and styles changing with the seasons. In the words of Danny Agan, “You dress the part, you dress like a detective, you get better results. It commands respect: Who’s showing up to take charge of this mess?”

When I started this book, I wanted to pay tribute to the Hat Squad. The Minneapolis Hat Squad is a product of my imagination, but based on real detectives who strive to get justice for victims every day.

Hope you enjoy meeting this new group!

All my best,

Karen Rose