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Acknowledgments

No spies or soldiers were harmed in the making of this book. Any revelation of classified national security information is purely coincidental and is the product of a rigorous analysis of open source materials coupled with a vivid imagination. I am indebted to the many fine journalists who have brought many of the inner workings of the War on Terror into the public domain. I am particularly grateful to the many professionals, including friends and family, who have shared their knowledge of unclassified matters with me.

Like countless other Americans, the War on Terror touched me personally, as friends and family were sent to Iraq. This novel was conceived during the long hours, and sometimes days, of waiting for an email from a loved one who was in combat. My deepest thanks goes to LtGen James Mattis, LtGen Richard Natonski, and BGen Joseph Dunford, USMC, who keep bringing my cousin home safely.

My cousin, SSgt Grant Smille, USMC, has been an inspiration and a teacher, without whom this book would not have been possible. A decorated Marine, internationally ranked martial artist, and a true patriot, Grant has not only taught me rudimentary tactical, infantry, and combat skills, but has also given me a glimpse into the passion behind being a Devil Dog. From him I gained the highest admiration for the men and women of the US Marine Corps. There is truly No Better Friend.

My favorite bomb-maker, LCDR Jim Froneberger, USN (ret.), has kept my characters from blowing themselves up. LtCol Ben Fuata, Hawaii Army National Guard, and his staff generously shared their extensive knowledge of combat helicopters, as did CW4 Robert Nance, US Army (ret.), and CW4 Jeffrey Crandell, US Army/CA ARNG. My cousins LtCol Jerry “Rebel” Summerlin, USMC (ret.), and Pam Summerlin went to great efforts to help me understand the mid-air refueling process. Fellow thriller writer and former USAF C-5 pilot Cindy Dees provided additional flight assistance. Rob Krott, former Senior Foreign Correspondent for Soldier of Fortune magazine, author, and mercenary extraordinaire, helped sketch in the fine details about contract soldiering in Iraq. GySgt Scott Stutler, USMC, was the official armorer for Black Management, assisting with weapons choices, their functioning and limitations. My sister and medical advisor, Renée Walker, D.O., F.A.O.C.O.O., kept the characters alive, and me out of trouble. My father, Charles Hillhouse, has been to me what “Q” was to James Bond, creating and testing unusual approaches to escape, evasion, and sabotage, including some that actually worked and made it into these pages; I’m grateful to my mother, Donna Hillhouse, for keeping Dad from killing himself in the process, as well as for her constant encouragement.

I am grateful to the many others who have donated their technical assistance, including SrA Cecily Okimura, USAF; 1Lt Charles Newman, Hawaii Army National Guard; Reef Hardy, Ph.D., criminalist, LAPD Scientific Investigation Division; Keith Yamakawa, D.D.S.; Keith Shiigi; fellow writer Lauren Baratz-Logsted; ACO Sgt Kathy Wheeles; and Paul Wheeles. Bobby Carmichael is for the OR crews in Joplin.

Michael Lukson, my first reader, partner in crime, and Web guru has come to my rescue countless times. Leah Wilson’s keen insight and suggestions helped the manuscript reach its full potential. Sarah Wang has provided outstanding legal counsel to me, as well as to Black Management, and her keen eye for detail has made this book a much smoother read.

My editor, Eric Raab, has worked diligently and tirelessly to champion this novel and to ensure it was not only the best book it could be, but that it was published well. Tom Doherty has my gratitude for his preserving belief in my work. The staff at Tor, including Linda Quinton, Kathleen Fogarty, Elena Stokes, Tom Espenscheid, AJ Murphy, Mike Rohrig, Patricia Johnson, Christine Jaeger, Patty Garcia, Edwin Chapman, and others behind the scenes, have done truly exceptional work.

Scott Miller, my literary agent, has a gift for making just the right observation at the right time, one of which was the springboard for the structure of this novel. He is golden. My thanks also go out to Holly Root and others at Trident who’ve worked diligently on the project. Sarah Self’s enthusiasm and hard work are greatly appreciated. My publicists at PTA-Brian Feinblum, Jessica Church, and Peter Horan-are exceptional.

This is the point where an author usually thanks a spouse for processing endless scenes, plot, and character ideas, but instead I have to thank my dogs LynnDy, Jordan, and Suzie-Q for listening to these ramblings-even if it did take many boxes of biscuits to ensure their rapt attention. I am so blessed that my partner gives me a book-free space, where I can get away from the shadowy world I’m writing about so I can focus on the people, things, and dogs that really matter. My deepest love and appreciation are for Cynthia Curatalo, who makes it all worthwhile.