Putting together a book is a lot like pulling off a big heist: It takes years of planning and a tight crew of geniuses. My heartfelt thanks go out to: Xander, my demolitions expert; Lucy the puppet master; Bo, my partner in crime and manager of offshore accounts; Sorche, who’s got my probation officer on speed dial; Lane Butler, funky font master Holly Ogden, and the outstanding crew at Andrews McMeel; Popeye, my consigliere; Bobby Tom, for maintaining my fleet of getaway vehicles; San Antonio Pat, the titular head of our crime family; “Auntie” Linda, my bookie; Pooch, for making me look pretty; Ms. Dawkins of the Tragically Charming Living Room; the handsome David Walker, a.k.a. Dr. No Love; V-town Julie, for minding my p’s and q’s; and, of course, Amy, my nemesis.
I’m especially lucky to have collaborated with the amazingly talented brother-and-sister team of Laura Sams and Robert Sams—ex-pirates, filmmakers, and occasionally shark bait. Their expertise in photography, computers, and taxidermy proved invaluable.
Thanks also go to Sckavone’s, Rocking Frog Café, the Someday Lounge, and the Oregon Film Museum in Astoria for letting us come in and take pictures. The Portland Police Museum is inspirational and a great place for doing research; it’s nice to be on the other side of the bars for a change. Friends of Tryon Creek State Park and Paxton Gate, Portland, assisted enormously in the loan of stuffed squirrels “Stumpy” and “Stumpy Two,” respectively. If you ever find yourself in the Pacific Northwest, it would be a crime to miss these fine establishments.