On the technical side, I'd like to thank Dr. Matthew Leone, Professor of Criminal Justice at University of Nevada, Reno, for lending his broad and extensive knowledge so that I could accurately portray the crimes and investigative aspects of this book. In addition to doing that, he also read the entire manuscript and gave me his input. To Steven B. Takami, FBI Special Agent, Retired, for lending his investigative and critical eye to the project so I could portray his fictitious counterparts in an accurate and respectful manner. To Dr. Craig Nelson, San Diego County Deputy Medical Examiner, for allowing me to view one of his autopsies so that I could depict the important work he does. During that process, he not only carefully explained everything he was doing, but also handed me each organ as he removed it so I could fully describe them in my book. Kind of gross, I know, but nevertheless one of those important and necessary experiences for a writer. As if all that weren’t enough, once it was all over (and he probably figured he was through with me) he never seemed to grow tired of my numerous and almost daily questions, even providing me with literature I needed to help make the dialogue in those chapters sound authentic. That kind of cooperation and attitude is what every author hopes for, but doesn’t often get; for this, I am extremely grateful. He is a true professional in every sense of the word. Also from the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office, Rick Poggemeyer, for putting up with my persistent and very likely annoying requests to view an autopsy, and for then making it happen. To Tim Stepetic, Associate Director for Administrative Services, The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, who conversed with me on a regular basis and answered all my questions so that I could accurately represent the people in his office and the fine work they do. To Kyle Myer, Hydraulic Engineer, Fort Collins Colorado, for sharing his knowledge about water: how it works, where it goes, and what it can (and can't) do. I had no idea how complex it could be. Who knew? Toni Ensminger, my medical consultant, who has been happy to answer my frequent and tedious medical questions about the flu virus and various other medical ailments so that I could get things just right. To my many test readers who took the time to read the manuscript during its various draft-stages and then give me their (honest) opinions about it. Their input was invaluable.
To the Rickrodes, my second family: Deanna, who has been, without a doubt, my number one fan (not in a Stephen King sort of way; in a good way). Not a second passed during this process that she didn't believe I could do this—not only that, but do it well. As if that weren’t enough, she also kept me well stocked with chocolate so I could keep the midnight oil burning. What more could one ask for in a friend? To Kay and Paul who took care of me during the difficult times in ways I know I'll never be able to repay.
To my father, Donald Kaufman, who has always been there to hold the net beneath me for as long as I can remember, who has never once faltered in that respect, and who continues to do so without fail. Even as a writer, I have trouble finding the words to thank him.
And finally, to my mother, who lost her courageous battle with cancer and never got the chance to read this novel. It is to her I dedicate this work with great love.
About the Author
Andrew E. Kaufman lives in Southern California, along with his six Labrador Retrievers, three horses, and a very bossy Jack Russell Terrier (who, incidentally, thinks she owns the place). After receiving his journalism and political science degrees at San Diego State University, Andrew began his writing career as an Emmy-nominated writer/producer, working at KFMB-TV, the CBS affiliate in San Diego, then at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles. For more than ten years, he produced special series and covered many nationally known cases, including the O.J. Simpson Trial.
For more info and the latest news about Andrew and his work, please visit: www.andrewekaufman.com
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