This novel is fiction, which means I get to make up anything and everything, including but not limited to businesses real or imagined, jurisdictions, history, or anything else that might keep the story moving, keep the lawyers bored, and keep potentially dangerous information where and with whom it belongs.
That said, it’s worth recognizing a few of the more egregious liberties taken:
Sharp-eyed Seattle residents may have noticed that I’ve compressed and slightly accelerated the timeline of the long-awaited opening of the Alaskan Way underground tunnel, and the subsequent demolition of the old elevated viaduct. Neither had happened during January of the same year.
Washington State gubernatorial recalls, regardless of the circumstances, do not result in a runoff election between parties. The order of succession is a sedate process, where the duties would automatically fall upon the lieutenant governor. My way is more fun.
The beautiful Japanese Garden in Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum is closed to visitors during the winter months. Nor does it admit dogs at any time. Not even Stanley. These limitations aside, a peaceful hour spent in the garden is like a day’s vacation anywhere else. If circumstances permit, I encourage you to see it for yourself.