With great thanks to my cherished husband—retired Navy SEAL, EOD, and PRU Advisor—Carl Swepston; to the outstanding retired Navy SEAL Thomas Rancich and his remarkable Liz; in memory of the incredible Rear Admiral and #1 Bullfrog Dick Lyon and with great love to his fabulous wife, Cindy; with thanks and joy to old goat roper John T. Curtis and his marvelous Miranda; to inspiring retired Navy SEAL Moki Martin and his family; for former Navy SEAL Hal Kuykendall and his lovely wife, Denise; to retired Navy SEAL Jerry Todd and his terrific Pete; for the wonderful Frank Toms (UDT 11/ST1) and his family; our dear friend John Baca, Medal of Honor recipient; Medal of Honor recipient Mike Thornton; the Vietnam Era “Old Frogs & SEALs” who contributed comments and stories; and Hooyah! to all of our operational friends.
Many thanks:
To Christine Feehan—you are a tremendous talent, a dear friend, and an incredible inspiration!
To Marjorie Liu—you are brilliant, witty, and insightful!
To Joanne Fluke and John Fluke—two wonderfully talented and amazing souls!
To Cathy Maxwell, Kim Adams Lowe, D. C. and Charles DeVane—sending endless love and hooyahs and hugs!
Cheers to amazing friends: Tamara Worlton; Liz LeCoy and her Walt; Mimi and Alan; Laurie De Salvo, a.k.a. Lia DeAngela, and Efrain; Jan Albertie; Suzanne Brockmann; Alisa Kwitney; Christina Skye; Angela Knight; Leslie Wainger; Dianna Love; Andrew and Megan Bamford; R. Garland Gray; Mary Beth Bass; Maura Troy; Domini and Chris Walker; Brian Feehan; Sheila and Ed; Sam and Zavier; Jo and Johnny; Jennifer; Maria R. and Joao; Maria M. and Frank; Maria N. and Emanuel; Jessica and Ryan; Kim and Paul K.; Jill and Carl H.; the Lynches; Brenda; Mary H.; Anne M.; Stephanie H.; Rose S.; Mic; Ginger D.; Nonny; Erika; Amy; Katheryn; Kat; Cindy; Lynn; Robyn; Lora; Traci; Trudy; Stacey; Kristy; Simone; Laura L.; the entire BB crew; and Sara and Lindsey Stillman, who are marvelous. A shout-out of love and joy to Craig, Sherry, Shae & Caden; to the fascinating Kathryn Falk, Kenneth Rubin, Carol Stacy, and Jo Carol Jones; and to my agent, Eric Ruben.
Thank you to the Sourcebooks crew—the talented Laura, Susie, Heather, and Earl, and to the marvelous Deb Werksman and Dominique Raccah.
With infinite love and respect to my parents—always!