The Chemist

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This story wasn’t one I could have written by myself, and I’m immensely grateful to all the people who gave me so much of their time, patience, and expertise.

My MVP was Dr. Kirstin Hendrickson of Arizona State University’s school of Molecular Sciences and her colleague Dr. Scott Lefler. Dr. Hendrickson spent an incredible amount of time working out realistic ways for me to kill, torture, and chemically manipulate fictional people, and I am so appreciative for her help.

My favorite RN, Judd Mendenhall, was also a huge help in keeping Daniel Beach alive by talking me through a sucking chest wound and coming up with the veterinarian solution.

Without Dr. Gregory Prince’s brilliant help with molecular biology and monoclonal antibodies, I would not have been able to give Alex the backstory she deserved.

An enormous thank-you to each of the following awesome people: Tommy Wittman, retired special agent, ATF, who gave me an excellent crash course in gas masks; Paul Morgan and Jerry Hine, who were frighteningly helpful with the mechanics of building a functional death trap; Sergeant Warren Brewer of the Phoenix Police Department, who vetted my drug deals; S. Daniel Colton, former captain, USAF JAG Corps, for his expertise in the creation of Kevin’s backstory; Petty Officer First Class John E. Rowe, who is always happy to talk guns with me or any other random thing I might be curious about.

And a huge thank-you also to my sources who preferred to remain anonymous. Your help is so appreciated.

All my love to the usual suspects: My very understanding family, who are so patient with my sleepless, manic writing spells; my brilliant and kind editor, Asya, who never tells me I’m crazy even when I am; my ninja agent, Jodi, who inspires fear in all who oppose her (and sometimes those who don’t); my super-classy film agent, Kassie, whom I aspire to be when I grow up; my production partner, Meghan, who carries all the weight of Fickle Fish so it doesn’t burn to the ground in my absence. And, of course, my heart is full of love for all the people who pick my books up and give them a chance – thank you for letting me tell you stories.

And finally, thank you to Pocket, my gorgeous and IQ-challenged German shepherd, who, at the very slightest hint of danger, immediately cowers behind my legs. Who will never love me the way he loves my husband. Who still doesn’t understand the basic principles of the game of fetch. I love you, too, you big, dumb, beautiful chicken.