First of all, thank you to God for calling me to write. No matter how fast the deadlines come rushing in or the words don’t seem to be rushing out, You come through and get me to “The End.” I’m so grateful. May every book glorify You.
My thanks to retired U.S. Deputy Marshal Paul Anderson. Your patience with my clueless questions is appreciated more than I can say. I’ve learned so much from you. I’m not only grateful for your help with these books, I’m thankful for your service to this country. You and those like you are heroes. God bless you, Paul.
To Officer Darin Hickey with the Training and Community Affairs Division in Cape Girardeau, Missouri: Thank you for all your help. Your input has helped to keep this story on track. Thank you even more for your service to America. I feel blessed to know you.
My medical information came from Dr. Andrea McCarty in Wichita, Kansas. Thanks, Dr. Andy! I miss your great smile.
Thank you to the real Leon Shook who helped me with my Garden City information. I also want to thank Leon and his wife, Linda, for allowing me to use them in this book. Their honesty, integrity, love for God, and for each other shaped my characters perfectly. Knowing you both has been one of the great blessings in my life.
Thanks so much to my Inner Circle: Zac, Mary, Cheryl, Liz, JoJo, Shirley, Tammy, Bonnie, Lynne, Deanna, Breeze, Mury, Karla, Michelle, and Rhonda for your support. You guys are the best!
Thank you to Candice Prentice for letting me bounce ideas off of her—and for reading through the rough draft of Dark Deception. Your help was invaluable.
As always, I appreciate Raela Schoenherr for her great advice. And thanks so much to Sharon Hodge for her editorial assistance. You’re awesome!