Writing a series requires a long-term commitment from the author as well as from the men and women who’ve volunteered to help the author. There is no way I could write these stories without the input of a host of experts and the support of family and friends.
Continued gratitude to . . .
Josh Moulin, cybersecurity expert (https://JoshMoulin.com)—for answering long, disjointed emails and patiently explaining everything from hard drives to the dark web. Your willingness to answer my questions was vital to keeping this story on track. All mistakes and misrepresentations of the field are on me.
Mike Berry, Master Underwater Criminal Investigator (UCIDiver.com)—for reading my diving scenes and giving me direction on everything from safely removing a vehicle to how to find a briefcase and detailing which type of search pattern works best. Any mistakes in diving and underwater criminal investigation procedures are mine.
Jonathan Parker, director of city involvement at Fellowship Greenville—your insights into the labor trafficking in my own city and on the streets where I shop and work were crucial to the storyline and have had a permanent impact on the way I see the world I’m living in. Our conversation left me heartbroken, and my prayer is that eyes will be opened and these precious souls will be seen and freed.
Investigator Tim Martin—for explaining the world of white-collar criminal investigations to me and for helping me bring Adam to life in a realistic way.
Sergeant Chris Hammett—for your insights into the life of a homicide investigator and your gracious explanations of police procedures. Thank you for continuing to answer my emails!
Jennifer Huggins Bayne—my sister and favorite nurse practitioner for once again replying to countless texts about hospital procedures and setting me straight about CTs and MRIs and how fast you can get out of the ED. Your patients are blessed to have you advocating for them. And I’m eternally grateful to have you as my sister and my friend.
Mecina Hapthey and Angelina Zimmer—thank you for your insights into Yapese culture and the life of a missionary family. Anissa’s character wouldn’t exist without you.
Angel Glover—for sharing your experiences and helping me find a layer of complexity that Leigh was missing before your input.
My critique group—for helping me brainstorm this series. The storylines and characters are all richer because of you.
My sisters of The Light Brigade—you’ve been there for me from the beginning. Your prayers, love, and support are never more than a Facebook message away and I am eternally grateful for you.
Lynette Eason—for believing in me and giving the Carrington dive team such a fun case in one of your books!
Tamela Hancock Murray—my amazing agent. Thank you for your enthusiastic support and continued encouragement.
Andrea Doering—for saying yes to this series and to the crossover idea.
Amy Ballor—for editing this manuscript with an attention to detail that is both terrifying and thrilling.
Sandra Blackburn—for being the most supportive mother-in-law a girl could have and for being willing to do anything to help.
Ken and Susan Huggins—for being the kind of parents who taught me to work hard and love books and for still being there for me whenever I need you. Which is all the time!
Emma, James, and Drew—for still being excited about every new book and for continuing to keep my real world far more interesting than any I could make up.
Brian—without you there would be no stories with my name on them. My imagination never would have taken flight without your encouragement and your continual support and love.
My Savior—the Ultimate Storyteller—for allowing me to write stories for you.