Writing a book is something that is never accomplished alone. I am indebted to so many people that it would be impossible to list them all here. But, there are some that, without their encouragement, support, knowledge, and inspiration, creating this book would have been impossible.
My thanks to William R. Bauer, attorney; Chris Freitag, retired police captain; and Tom Koestner, retired FBI agent, for their professional expertise and their willingness to share it with me. Also, the “real” Bill Bauer, the “real” Nancy Cooper, the “real” Rick Dawley, the “real” Dave Hinson, the “real” Frank Kuttner, the “almost-real” Warren Joseph, and the “very real” Bobcat Walker, for permitting me to use their names for my characters, and allowing me to alter their personalities to suit my purposes. They are all special friends, and I cherish every one of them. Also, to my good friend, Frank Elge, for allowing me to use his late sister Olivia’s name for a character.
My gratitude to my friends: Brenda Bauer, Don Brann, Rick Dawley, Tom McTigue, and Bob Walker; and to fellow authors DB Pacini, Margy Rydzynsky, and Nancy Lynn Jarvis for their opinions and suggestions. You were of more help than you can ever know. To my brother, Gene, for finding those “little glitches” in the manuscript.
To my children, Lauren, David, Jared and Matt, for loving me and always being behind me.
And, last, but my no means least, as always, my extreme gratitude to my wife of more than thirty wonderful years, Becky. Not only is she my “plot maven,” but my “constant and final editor,” as well. I love you, honey.
Oh, I almost forgot. Special feline thanks to my “girls,” Cassie and Callie for helping me sleep.
If I’ve left anyone out, please forgive me, but know that I appreciate all of you.
As always, I welcome correspondence from my readers, who can reach me via email at: joetheauthor@joeperronejr.com or on my website at: http://www.joeperronejr.com.