Midas Code (35 page)
Authors: Boyd Morrison
I’m fortunate to know so many smart and capable people. Without them, this book wouldn’t be in your hands.
My agent, Irene Goodman, is a dream. Every writer should have it so good. I couldn’t navigate the publishing business without her.
My foreign-rights agents, Danny Baror and Heather Baror, are the best in the business and a blast to hang out with.
Sulay Hernandez, my wonderful editor at Touchstone, was incredibly patient in guiding the book from its crude early stages to a polished product. I’m lucky to work with one of the publishing industry’s rising stars.
Stacy Creamer, David Falk, Shida Carr, Marcia Burch, and the entire team at Touchstone deserve a hearty round of applause for the amazing effort they’ve put into the novel.
Although I consulted with several people on this book, any errors in fact or detail, whether intentional or not, are mine alone.
David Phillips, professor of history of UCLA, is fluent in Greek and advised me on the nuances of the ancient language, including the translation in the prologue.
Jennifer Hesketh, a riding instructor at Wimbledon Village Stables, taught me the finer points of cantering on an English saddle.
Alessandro Fusaro, a guide at Napoli Sotterranea, gave me a fantastic tour of underground Naples, answering all my odd questions without blinking.
My good friend and trauma surgeon, Dr. Erik Van Eaton, spelled out the effects of concussions as well as many other medical issues.
I’d like to thank Susan Tunis for again focusing her sharp editorial skills on my work.
My brother, retired Lieutenant Colonel Martin Westerfield, is a former Air Force pilot who gave me the inside scoop about the US military.
My sister, Dr. Elizabeth Morrison, curator of medieval manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum, was a valuable resource for my countless questions about ancient codices, foreign languages, and museum operations. And, as a thriller fan, she’s an expert at finding those pesky plot holes.
My father-in-law, the geologist Dr. Frank Moretti, continues to be one of my treasured early readers, giving me feedback that improved the book immensely.
Finally, it is impossible to overstate how much I cherish having such an understanding, supportive, and loving partner as my wife, Randi. She was intimately involved in the development of this story from beginning to end, and I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart.