The Devil's Waters (39 page)

For my several historical novels, I’ve been able to gather a great deal of the information I needed out of archives and nonfiction books, the recorded voices of the dead. But for a novel like this one, a contemporary tale, I’ve had to rely much more on the living.

At every step in my research, folks in and out of the military embraced both me and the notion of a novel about combat search and rescue (CSAR) on a massive cargo ship. I’ve spent time listening on three continents, four seas, and one ocean to men recounting their adventures, dangers, and wisdom. I’ve done my best to weave their vivid experiences into a story that not only is exciting but rings true. To a greater extent than any book I’ve written, this novel owes its character to the guidance and generosity of many advisers.

On Long Island, at Francis S. Gebreski Airport, the PJs and CROs of the USAF 103rd RQS showed me hospitality, trust, and just how cool and brave their lives are. While every man I spoke with contributed to my knowledge and admiration, the ones with whom I spent the most time were Maj. Scott Williams (the original LB), Lt. Colonel John McElroy, Lt. Colonel Shawn Fitzgerald, base Col. Tom Owens, and Captain Glyn Weir. Thanks to them, LB and Wally are alive and kicking each other.

In Djibouti, I was hosted by the pararescueman of the 58th RQS out of Nellis Air Force Base. While deployed with these men, I had better food, more fun, more excitement, and better sleeps than in any civilian days in recent memory. If I were a younger fellow, I would want to be like them. Since I cannot, some characters in my book (Quincy, Doc, Jamie) are. Thank you.

For two weeks, between Malta and Dubai, I was fortunate enough to sail on the
CMA CGM Hydra
in the company of Capt. Slavko “Dado” Malasic and his lovely wife, Valnea. Along with Chief Engineer Razvan Uta, they taught me everything I needed to know about massive cargo ships, traveling great distances on blue seas, Ping-Pong, Dracula, piloting a huge ship with a tiny wheel, and high spirits. I could not have conceived this book without them.

My agent Luke Janklow of Janklow & Nesbitt is a star in many rights. He, for being an impatient man, has shown me great restraint and faith. I’ve pledged not to vex him so greatly in the future, because he’s been proven right often enough. Clare Dippel, his assistant, has been a guiding light for the journey of this book. Between the two of them, I am as confident in my representation as I’ve ever been.

At Thomas & Mercer, editor Andy Bartlett and his team of professionals have amazed me with their competence and eagerness to make this book a success. As any author will tell you, it’s a deeply gratifying experience to work with folks who not only care about your book, but are talented and open-minded along the way.

As he has for all ten of my novels, my old friend Jim Redington, MD, helped with everything medical. The Public Affairs Office of the USAF at the Pentagon was a dream to work with.

Sherrie Najarian is not just a smart, classy beauty. She’s also a first-class editor. Like so many others, she added many things to this novel for which I receive credit.

—David L. Robbins

Photo by Maj. John McElroy, USAF, 2010

David L. Robbins currently teaches advanced creative writing at VCU Honors College. His exceptional talent is displayed through ten action-packed novels, including the classic
War of the Rats
,
Broken Jewel
,
The Betrayal Game
,
The Assassins Gallery
, and
Scorched Earth
. An award-winning essayist and screenwriter, Robbins founded the James River Writers, an organization dedicated to supporting professional and aspiring writers. He also co-founded the Podium Foundation, which encourages artistic expression in Richmond’s high schools. Robbins extends his creative scope beyond fiction as an accomplished guitarist and student of jazz, pop, and Latin classical music. When he’s not writing, he’s often found sailing, shooting, weightlifting, and traveling the world. He lives in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia.