Takedown

As the weapon was disassembled, the assassin from Scot’s past took a perverse pride in knowing that this was only the beginning of the pain and retribution that was coming Harvath’s way. Harvath was about to learn that you never buried anyone unless you were absolutely certain they were dead.

Author’s Note

I make no secret about the deep respect I hold for the brave American men and women who selflessly serve our nation in our military, law enforcement, and intelligence communities. As someone who wanted to do more than just write about these extraordinary people, I became involved with several different organizations that strive to serve them and their families. I strongly urge you to visit my Web site for a list of these organizations, but I want to single out one in particular here.

At a fundraiser for the Naval Special Warfare Foundation last summer, it was announced that I would name a character in this novel for whoever made the evening’s largest contribution. I am honored to say that the president and CEO of Zodiac North America, J. J. Marie, was that person. When the applause had subsided and Mr. Marie stepped to the podium, he called up Virginia Beach, VA, police chief A. M. “Jake” Jacocks, whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for many years. Once the chief had joined him, Mr. Marie announced that Zodiac North America wanted to honor the memory of the Virginia Beach PD’s own Bradley Harper-a twenty-five-year-old United States Marine Reservist who was killed south of Haditha, Iraq, in August 2005-by having the character named after him.

While I did not have the pleasure of knowing Marine Sergeant Bradley J.Harper, I hope in some small part the character I have created in his name lives up to the high standards I know he set for himself as an American, a member of the Virginia Beach Police Department, and as a United States Marine.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I have to thank my beautiful wife, Trish, for keeping the world at bay while I wrote this book. The last year has been incredibly busy for us both, and I could not have done any of it without you. You are the love of my life and I know no greater honor than being your husband and the father of our two wonderful children.

The next person I have to thank is my dear friend and lead sharpshooter, Scott F. Hill, PhD. The only thing more valuable to me than your advice and guidance is your friendship. Thank you for all of your help and all of the airline miles you logged working with me on this novel. Clear some space in your game room, your reward is coming.

Having relocated overseas in service to his country, my good pal Chad Norberg discovered he could be just as big a thorn in my side via e-mail as when we were both living in Utah. Though I miss being able to discuss plot points over a beer at Fiddler’s Elbow, his advice via the Internet was no less creative, resourceful, or vital than on projects past. Thanks, buddy.

Rodney Cox is my newest sharpshooter, and I couldn’t have met him at a more perfect time. Not only is Rodney a lot of fun to hang out with, his real-life experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan proved invaluable in the writing of this book. Rodney has become a very good friend of mine, and a lot of Takedown couldn’t have been written without his help. Thanks, RC.

Two other people who are a lot of fun to hang out with are old friends of mine and have been helping with my novels since the beginning. They are Chuck Fretwell and Steve Hoffa. They understand my desire to get everything right and always take the time to answer even the smallest of questions. When a Hofbrauhaus opens in South Africa, I’ll buy the first round and then we’ll go on safari, I promise.

Once again, I was expertly led through the wilds of American politics by my two good friends and Washington insiders Pat Doak and David Vennett. I owe you both dinner and more than a couple of nice bottles of wine the next time I’m in DC.

If the bad guys got shut down right out of the gate, thrillers wouldn’t be very thrilling. Rich Henderson-one of the good guys-understands this and was very helpful with all things New York. Thanks for answering countless e-mails from me and for all of your great advice.

Both Gary Penrith and Tom Baker continue to be incredible fonts of knowledge for my novels, and I thank them for their invaluable assistance. These gentlemen have given much to their country and continue to do so daily. This nation is indeed fortunate and better for their service. See you in Sun Valley.

Carl Hospedales, Rudy Guerin, Kevin Dockery and GySgt Tony Masucci USMC, each made contributions to the novel for which I am grateful. Gentlemen, thank you not only for what you have done for me, but for the service you have rendered and continue to render to our country (and the UK/Canada in Carl’s case) on a daily basis.