Path Of The Assassin

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 amp; Koch, who also was kind enough to invite me out to play with some incredible toys. I’m looking forward to hitting the H amp;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.