Veil of Civility

A few words of appreciation…

This book has evolved over several years from a simple idea into the completed project it is now. During the long researching and writing process there have been many people who have supported and encouraged me and I would like to thank them here.

The Troubles is a conflict that has no modern equal in my opinion. In addition to the often shocking violence; the amount of spying, treachery and double dealing that became a part of daily life in Northern Ireland are difficult for an outsider such as myself to understand. Joe McCoubrey and Harvey Black were kind enough to offer me their expertise and have both helped me immensely.

Paul O'Brien, Andrew Scorah and Rebecca Erickson shared with me their knowledge of the political parties and inner workings of both the Irish, British and United States governments respectively and without them this book wouldn't be what it is.

There are several scenes throughout the book that feature characters who speak languages other than English. I would like to thank Ian Kharitonov, Mark Greaney and Marcos Ramirez for their help in understanding the languages and customs of Russia, Germany and Mexico. In addition to the altogether foreign languages, many of the characters live in or have backgrounds in Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Irish Republic and while their langauges are technically English, they're still quite unique to an American like me. Thanks to Andrew Scorah, Andrew Peters, Matt Hilton, Ian McAdam, Graham Smith, Stephen Cheshire and Col Bury for helping me not to embarrass myself (too badly.)

Any book worth the pages (or screen) it's printed on cannot have become so without the help of a superb graphic designer, formatter and editor. Thanks to Jane Dixon-Smith for her excellent artwork, Lucinda Campbell for formatting the ebook version and to Julie Lewthwaite for her eagle eyed editing! Any mistakes that have wormed their way into this book are mine (due to my constant tweaking) and not hers.

And for all things flight related… Colin Graham, congratulations on earning your fixed wing pilots license, bro-ham!

In addition, to my family (Cristina, Hannah, Kinley, Dennis, Karla and Brittany) for their support and encouragement and for putting up with what started as a nagging idea and became a complete obession. You'll be happy to know that I only have about 8 — 10 more books planned.

Lastly, to the people who lived through and continue to live with The Troubles, the first and second Chechen Wars, the Beslan school crisis, September the 11th, July the 7th and the other acts of terror referenced in this book; God be with you, you are the real heroes.