The Tick Tock Man

Many others have contributed time and expertise which have assisted in the writing of this story:

The staff of the London Evening Standard, including managing editor Craig Orr; editor Stewart Steven for allowing me to sit in on conference; news editor Steve Clackson and my good friend Steve Pryer. They’ve all promised not to sue for any unintentionally unethical behaviour by my fictitious characters!

In Northern Ireland I was grateful for the hospitality, advice and observations of Pauline Reynolds; Richard Crawford, new author of a cracking thriller called Fall When Hit; writer and journalist Eamonn Mallie, and Mike and Brad at Lisburn for smoothing the way.

On the medical front I thank my long-term adviser Major Janice Perkins (long overdue a credit) and Lieutenant Colonel Roddy MacDonald and Lieutenant Colonel Graham Hopkins and staff of the Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot.

Those close to both sides of the paramilitary divide in Northern Ireland were kind enough to explain their political beliefs both eloquently and passionately: Ken (for Sinn Fein) and Steve and Charlie (for the Loyalists), which I hope will go some way to explaining what so many of us have failed to understand fully.

Other ‘regulars’ on my team have again done sterling work with technical advice: Neil, Robin and Leslie, and on the editorial production front I thank my wife Lindy, my editor Carolyn Caughey and typist Judy Coombes for performing another minor miracle.

And, of course, to those who have inspired but cannot be named. They know who they are.