The King of Torts

Author’s Note

It is here that authors often submit massive disclaimers in an effort to cover their rears and, hopefully, avoid liability. There is always the temptation to simply create a fictional place or entity rather than research the real ones, and I confess I would rather do almost anything than verify details. Fiction is a marvelous shield. It’s very easy to hide behind. But when it ventures near the truth, it needs to be accurate. Otherwise, the author needs a few lines in this space.

The Public Defender Service in Washington, D.C., is a proud and vibrant organization that has zealously protected the indigent for many years. Its lawyers are bright, committed, and very tight-lipped. Downright secretive. Its inner workings remain a mystery, so I simply created my own Office of the Public Defender. Any resemblance between the two is purely coincidental.

Mark Twain said he often moved cities, counties, and even entire states when necessary to help a story along. Nothing gets in my way either. If I can’t find a building, then I’ll construct one on the spot. If a street does not fit on my map, then I won’t hesitate to either move it or draw a new map. I would guess that about half the places in this book are described somewhat correctly. The other half either don’t exist or have been modified or relocated to such an extent that no one would recognize them. Anyone looking for accuracy is wasting time.

That’s not to say I don’t try. My idea of research is frantically working the telephone as the deadline draws near. I leaned on the following people for advice, and it’s here that I thank them: Fritz Chockley, Bruce Brown, Gaines Talbott, Bobby Moak, Penny Pynkala, and Jerome Davis.

Renee read the rough draft and didn’t fling it at me — always a good sign. David Gernert picked it to pieces, then helped me put it together again. Will Denton and Pamela Creel Jenner read it and offered salient advice. When I had written it for the fourth time and everything was correct, Estelle Laurence read it and found a thousand mistakes.

All of the above were eager to help. The mistakes, as always, are mine.