I AM INDEBTED to the following people for helping me locate sources, separate fact from fiction, and come to a deeper understanding of the hard truths surrounding the Age of Bulger: Raymond Flynn, Mary Lafferty, Ciaran Staunton, James Flynn, Kevin Weeks, Patrick Nee, Teresa Stanley, Bobo Connolly, Tommy Lyons, Joseph Salvati, Anthony Cardinale, Harvey Silverglate, Paul Griffin, Robert Fitzpatrick, Thomas Foley, Richard Marinick, Frannie White, John Martorano, Jimmy Martorano, Steve Davis, Marilyn Di Silva, John Connolly, Howie Carr, Michelle McPhee, Edward Mahoney, Richard Stratton, and Janet Uhlar.
My time living in Boston for the duration of the trial was greatly enhanced by people who helped with logistics, accommodations, and leisure activities, most notably Michael Habicht, Paul Spatachini, Charlie Lo Grasso, Jill Mantineo Macone, Frank DePasquale, David Duggan at the Bricco Suites, Guy Mirisola at Mirisola’s restaurant in South Boston, David Riccio, owner of Caffé Vittoria in the North End, and Michael Uiskey, esteemed bartender at the Seaport Hotel. Also, special thanks to Sophia Banda, my personal assistant at the time, who tended to matters back in New York City while I was away.
Researching and writing a book that is complex and densely researched requires understanding and support from family and friends. At the end of writing a book like this, I am sometimes surprised I still have friends, given the all-consuming nature of the project. For hanging in there, I would like to thank Teresita Levy, Benjamin Lapidus, Mike English, Stephanie English, Christina Lorenzatto, Sandra English, Suzanne Damore, Chris Damore, Valerie Anne Garcia, Valentin Sandoval, Jack Brown, Patrick Farrelly, Kate O’Callaghan, and others who have stayed the course.
The journey from rough manuscript to finished book requires contributions from many people. My agent, Nat Sobel, and his assistants at Sobel Weber Inc. play an integral role in facilitating my work. At William Morrow, I am indebted to Cal Morgan and to David Highfill, who edited the manuscript with a steady hand. Thanks also to Danielle Bartlett and others in the Publicity Department.
Most everyone has some activity that helps him or her deal with the stress of a major project that seems as though it will never end. For me it is music, both as a listener and as an amateur percussionist. The spirit of the drum has a soothing power that serves as a soundtrack for many of my adventures, for which I sometimes turn to Elegua, the spirit of journeys and passageways, to guide me along the road to completion.