State Of The Union

Scores of Russian KGB and Russian military intelligence officials who have defected to the United States over the last fifteen years claim that the Soviet Union hid numerous man-portable, suitcase-sized nuclear weapons in caches across the United States. Both the FBI and CIA have expended vast amounts of money and manpower to locate these caches (which they also believe contain cash, radios, pistols, and other items necessary to support Russian sleeper agents positioned throughout America), but have come up empty. Though the matter has never been resolved, many in the Department of Defense and the intelligence community still believe these weapons caches exist.

Acknowledgments

As I have mentioned in previous acknowledgement sections of my novels, no author is an island unto himself. There is no way I could do what I do without the generous help of others, and I owe the following a deep debt:

First and foremost, I want to thank my beautiful wife,Trish. Not only did she support me all the way through the writing of this book, she also gave birth to our first child. Marrying her was the smartest thing I ever did. Honey, thank you for our beautiful baby and for your unwavering support of my career.

Chad Norberg:Once again, your insight into geopolitics, wide sweeping knowledge of the way the real world works, and your grating sense of humor have all come together to help see me through another odyssey. Thanks for everything.

Chuck Fretwell:His keen eye for detail and unfailing commitment to the right way of getting things done have proven a godsend to me on more than one occasion. Nothing gets by Chuck and I’m honored to have had so much of his help throughout the writing of this book, both within the Special Operations community and without. Many thanks.

Steven Hoffa:Hoffa’s help on this book, especially in the area of tradecraft, went beyond measure, and he has my deepest gratitude. Steve, I mean it when I say that I couldn’t have done this without your incredibly generous assistance.

Mike Noell,US Navy SEAL (retired): In addition to being an invaluable resource for me when it comes to SEAL culture, tactics, etc., I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike, who has seen more than his fair share of action around the world and now helps to make sure that the good guys have every advantage.

William Kinane,FBI (retired): Bill served with great distinction as legal attaché at the American embassy in Moscow, establishing the official liaison with the MBD (Ministry of Interior), the national police force of Russia, the FSB, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Tax Police regarding Organized Crime, Terrorism, Movement of Nuclear Materials and Fraud-Corruption investigation. When it came to Russia, its culture, and the inner workings of its intelligence and military organizations, Bill’s help was invaluable.

Scott Hill, Ph.D.:Scott, as always, I appreciate not only your friendship, but your willingness to brainstorm both character development and plot points with me. You are one of my key sharpshooters and your aim never faltered.

Gary Penrith,FBI (retired): Once again, thanks for helping answer all of my questions and of course, thanks to you and Lynne for the ongoing learning process at our annual in Sun Valley.

Colonel Robert Birmingham,US Army (retired): As former head of the army’s Comanche Helicopter Program, Bob helped out in several key areas and his assistance was very much appreciated.

Frank Gallagher,FBI (retired): Several FBI elements, including the SIOC and related scenes at headquarters would not have come together in this book if it weren’t for Frank, who is still a gentleman of the highest order.

Gabriel DePlano,Beretta USA: A great guy who was always there for me when I wanted to know more about Beretta products. Thanks not only for the technical assistance, but also for offering to read relevant sections of the book.

Patrick Doak amp; David Vennett:My two Washington insiders who are both serving their country with distinction in two different areas of the government. I owe you both more than a couple of drinks the next time we get together.

Mike McCarey:Ballistics, body armor, tactical gear, Mike’s knowledge of what the good guys carry and how they use it is bottomless. Thanks for all of your help and the in-depth education.

Richard Levy,American Airlines: My very good friend whose knowledge of aviation and all things German was once again right on point. The next time I’m in Dallas,I’m picking up the tab.

Dan Brown amp; Kyle Mills:I couldn’t be happier for your respective successes. Thanks for being there to talk about the process. Your wit and wisdom went further than you can imagine.

I would also like to thank: