Path of the Assassin (40 page)

I realized when writing my first novel, that no book is created in a vacuum. An author relies heavily upon the advice, input, and feedback of many other people. Now, if an author can find people who are actually interesting, fun to be around, and prefer to share their wisdom and hard-won experience over a good bottle of wine—then so much the better. To the following, I am deeply indebted.

Chad Norberg,
who was there with excellent advice and intriguing ideas for this book from day one. Though hearing, “How many pages did you write today?” gets to be a pain in the ass after a while, it’s a small price to pay for his friendship and the fact that I can call him several times a day with questions about his former profession and what happens when Americans are sent “away from the flagpole” to carry out some of this country’s most serious business.

Chuck Fretwell,
whose “adventures” in his former profession are the stuff legends are made of. Not only was Chuck extremely helpful during the writing and editing phase of the manuscript, but going into the Special Operations community as his friend opened amazing doors for me, a fact for which I will always be exceedingly grateful.

Brad Thor, Sr.,
whose impeccable taste and wide knowledge of the finer things in life came in handy on more than one occasion while writing this book. I can’t help but cringe when I think about what it is going to take to keep this man happy in his retirement. Dad, you were only kidding when you said you expected me to fund your “Platinum Years,” right? Thanks for all of the exceptional help with the writing and promoting of my novels.

Gary Penrith,
FBI (retired), a great friend of our family, who continues to be my guide through local, federal, and international law-enforcement agencies. I have come to believe that there is not a single door that Gary can’t open. His ongoing help in my writing career has been invaluable. Trish and I look forward every year to our “law enforcement” trip to Sun Valley and getting to spend quality time with Gary and his lovely wife, Lynne.

Scott Hill, Ph.D.,
who helped me right into the hospital! The terrible lunch he took me to (which I know pushed me over the edge into emergency surgery during the writing of this book) notwithstanding, his help in developing the psychological aspects of the book, exploring character motivation, providing insightful commentary on the manuscript, and his friendship are all greatly appreciated.

Ancil Sparks,
FBI, who I am convinced has had so many wonderful things said about him that it is impossible to come up with something new. Ancil opened the FBI Academy at Quantico to me, and as his charge, I had access to literally anything I wanted to learn more about. Being the kind of guy I am, I chose to spend half the time shooting Glocks and MP5s with the very knowledgeable
Wade Jackson,
Chief of the Firearms Training Unit, and the other half with the very accommodating
Hostage Rescue Team,
who brought me along on some intense helicopter fast-roping exercises. After spending time with these guys, it’s easy to see how people become “addicted” to the lifestyle. Many, many thanks.

Thomas J. Baker,
FBI (retired), another great friend and part of the Sun Valley team. Tom’s experience and contacts as an FBI Legal Attaché were very helpful with the Italian aspects of the book. He is yet another gentleman I am fortunate enough to be able to call on for real-world answers on a regular basis. Despite my “colorful” language at times, Tom has graciously taken me in and continues to share much.

Frank Gallagher,
FBI (retired), who gave me the cook’s tour of FBI Headquarters and provided access to some incredible people and places. On top of all that, Frank insisted that he pay for lunch. Frank, you are a gentleman of the highest order, and now that you have changed careers, you’ll be able to read the books I send you without having them irradiated.

Will Cragun and the Ogden Metro SWAT Team,
who strapped the body armor on me and let me shadow their Hell Week participants. Live-fire CQB runs and the armored Suburban were two of many great experiences. Thanks for sharing your tactical wisdom with me.

Willie Brauner,
Glock—Asia, who has been a close friend of mine since childhood and who hosted Trish and me when we visited Hong Kong and Macau. Despite the great distance between us, we still manage to stay in close contact. His help in rounding out some of the Asia details in the manuscript was very much appreciated.

Richard Levy,
American Airlines, who is invaluable when it comes to airline information, airplane information, and any information relating to sushi. Sorry we missed the wedding of the century. Congratulations to you and Anne, and thanks for your continued friendship and assistance with my novels.

Robbie Barrkman,
The Robar Companies, a true warrior-artist and an all around great guy who invited me out to Arizona to shoot the Robar RC 50. What a rush. I don’t think there’s anything I could have asked Robbie for that he wouldn’t have gladly provided—short of being given my own RC 50 for free. Business is business after all, right? Thanks for an unforgettable experience, Robbie.

John Meyer,
Heckler & Koch, who also was kind enough to invite me out to play with some incredible toys. I’m looking forward to hitting the H&K classes, and as soon as the baby comes, we’re going to get Trish in the Tac Med course. Thanks for everything.

Joan Harvath,
what can I say? Thanks for all of your continued support and the great dinners when I’m in D.C.

Tom Hunter,
www.SpecialOperations.com,
a fellow USC Trojan with a great Special Operations and terrorist database. Thanks for your help with the book early on.

Doreen Martin-Ross,
Department of Anthropology—Chicago Field Museum, who explained to me how antiquities are packaged, as well as transported, and was also willing to discuss some “what if” scenarios.

Chuck Thomas,
one of those rare individuals who knows a little bit about everything and then knows exactly where to locate more information. If I can’t track something down, I call Chuck, and he can always help me find what I’m looking for. Thanks, Chuck.

Bob Boettcher,
who actually put his hands on a schematic of the 747’s APU for me. Well done, Bob.

Joe Ellis,
who helped me narrow down a biblical passage appropriate to the Hand of God organization. Thanks, Joe, and as you suggested, I’ll remember to call you if I ever need any Apalachian snake-handling information.

Kyle Mills and Dan Brown,
who both shared with me their thoughts about writing book number two. Thanks for the input and sage counsel.

In addition to those mentioned above, there are the people who “ride herd” on my writing career and are immeasurably involved in both the business and creative ends of the spectrum.

The Atria/Pocket Books Sales Force
—you really make it happen. You have my deepest gratitude.

The Atria/Pocket Books Art Department
—Paolo and team, there is no way to measure the impact of your incredible creativity. Thanks for the fabulous art work.

Cathy Lee Gruhn,
Atria/Pocket Books, who is my publicist. Having done my own PR in the past, I thoroughly appreciate what Cathy and her office do for me. A million
thanks-you’s
would still not be enough.

Heide Lange,
Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, who is my fantastic agent. When an excellent business relationship develops into an even better friendship, one is doubly blessed. A few simple lines hardly seem appropriate for everything you do for me, Heide.

Emily Bestler,
Atria Books, who is my editor extraordinaire. Thank you for your friendship and for helping to take my work to the next level. Though I tell so many people how fabulous you are, I don’t think anyone can truly understand until they have had the privilege of working with you. I grow as a writer because of you.

Scott Schwimer and Angela Cheng-Caplan,
who are the equal halves of my L.A. Dream Team and who still know the appropriate weapon to bring to a gunfight. Thank you for your vision, friendship, and unwavering support.

Esther Sung and Sarah Branham,
who both will never know how much I appreicate everything they do for me.

Cecilia Hunt,
who is my copy editor. To say Ceci has a keen eye for detail would be an amazing understatement. Though we don’t always see eye to eye, I wouldn’t dream of going to press without her. Thank you for keeping my bacon out of the fire.

If I had to choose one person to dedicate every book I write to, it would easily be my beautiful wife,
Trish
. No one is more involved in the day-to-day aspects of my writing than she is. She is my single greatest source of inspiration, and I thank her for everything she does for me and everything she puts up with before, during, and after I write a new book. I love you, sweetheart.

Cindy Jackson,
Simon & Schuster, has gone from being a stranger on a European train, to being one of my dearest friends. I have learned more about the book business and the writing process from her than I ever thought possible. As I continue to grow as an author, I have no doubt it will be due in large part to her unfailing friendship and tireless efforts on my behalf. Cindy, I owe you a deep debt.

Finally, I want to thank you, the readers, and all of the wonderful booksellers around the world. It is because of your encouragement and support that I am able to enjoy such a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Many thanks,

Brad Thor