Many thanks to my family, friends and helpers who made this book possible: David Ripianzi for taking a chance and for sharing his wisdom about the book business, Leslie Takao for her sharp editing and insight into the characters, Kevin Faulk for his help editing, Dr. Matt Hing for sharing his knowledge of burn victims, retired SWAT officer Mark Butler for his guidance with the assault on the warehouse, Chief Steve Holley for his advice on surviving in a burning car, A’lyse Place for her help with Bobby’s voice, and to Doug Greene and Tom Nguyen for expanding my knowledge about the Vietnamese culture and the myriad details of Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, which has changed dramatically since I was there during the war. Special thanks to Dr. Dan Christensen, Carrie Christensen, and Amy and Jace Widmer for their encouragement.
And as always to Lisa Place, my love and best friend for her encouragement and for her willingness to hear me read my day’s writing even when she was exhausted from her job.