Many police officers, active and retired, were incredibly generous to me, sharing their time, experience, stories, thoughts, opinions and emotions. I owe them a great debt, but it might be a disservice to them to list them by name. You know who you are, and I can’t thank you enough. I also want to thank you for what you’ve done and what you do.
On the subject of thanks, this book had its origins in an early-morning phone call from Shane Salerno, my partner-in-crime-writing, colleague and close friend for coming on twenty years now. I thank him for the inspiration, creative input, unflagging support and the many much-needed laughs. It’s been a ride, brother.
I would also like to thank David Highfill for bringing me into William Morrow and for his thoughtful editing of the manuscript.
To Deborah Randall, David Koll, Nick Carraro and everyone at the Story Factory.
To Michael Morrison, Liate Stehlik, Lynn Grady, Kaitlin Harri, Jennifer Hart, Sharyn Rosenblum, Shelby Meizlik, Brian Grogan, Danielle Bartlet, Juliette Shapland, Samantha Hagerbaumer and Chloe Moffett for their passionate support of this book and for working so hard to make it possible.
My appreciation also goes out to production editor Laura Cherkas and copyeditor Laurie McGee for their hard work.
To Ridley Scott, Emma Watts, Steve Asbell, Michael Schaefer and Twentieth Century Fox for their belief in this manuscript and for purchasing the film rights to this book after our successful collaboration on The Cartel.
To Matthew Snyder and Joe Cohen at Creative Artists Agency.
To Cynthia Swartz and Elizabeth Kushel for their fantastic work on Savages, The Cartel and now The Force. Thank you for all of your hard work.
To Richard Heller, my attorney.
To John Albu for hauling me around.
The good folks at the Solana Beach Coffee Company, Jeremy’s on the Hill, Mr. Manitas, The Cooler, El Fuego and Drift Surf for keeping me in caffeine, breakfast burritos, burgers, nachos, fish tacos and needed diversion.
The late Matty Pavis for his kindness and generosity, and my Staten Island paisan Steve Pavis for introducing me to his brother.
The late Bob Leuci, who was a prince anywhere.
I’d like to express appreciation to all my readers, old and new, for all their support and kindness over the years. Without them, I don’t have this job that I love.
To my mother, Ottis Winslow, for the use of her front porch and for all those library books over the years.
To Thomas, my son, for his encyclopedic knowledge of hip-hop lyrics and for all the years of patience and support.
And, always, to Jean, my patient wife, for her tireless support and for taking this, and every other, journey with me. ILYM.