Silent Joe

Acknowledgments

I’d like to thank the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department for their help with this book.

In particular, thanks to Sheriff Michael Carona, Assistant Sheriff Rocky Hewitt, Lieutenant Terry Boyd and Deputy Mike Peters, all of whom gave of their time and experience. Especially Mike, who taught me to watch my back and showed me the secrets of the plumbing tunnels.

Also, thanks to Rex Tomb, Matthew McLaughlin, Mark Hunter and Carl Swanson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

These are outstanding men. The truth is all theirs and I’m glad they’re on my side.

Like so many of my books, this one began with a phone call to Larry Ragle, retired head of the Orange County crime lab, who opened doors for me — many of them jail doors — that I could never open myself. Thank you Larry, again.

Thanks also to the staff of Orangewood Home for Children. And not just for helping me, but for helping hundreds of children every year.

Former assistant DA Chris Evans answered my questions with experience and good humor and for this I am grateful.

Byron Brenkus answered by fast-car queries.

Lastly, thanks to Jonathan Lethem, whose writing inspired me to try this book.