by K. J. Howe
“They’re here.” Papa signaled to the maître d’, and the lights dimmed. The room quieted, everyone gathering at the door in anticipation of the boys’ arrival. They had been told they and the Wavertons were having dinner with Christos alone.
Ayan and Jabari piled out of the car and sprinted for the door, the Wavertons allowing them to rush ahead.
A hush fell over the crowd.
The doors opened.
“Surprise!” the group yelled.
Ayan and Jabari burst into the restaurant. The boys were beaming, high-fiving everyone. They both hugged Thea hard.
Jabari tugged at Christos’s jacket. “Thank you so much. The Wavertons are very nice people.” The joy in Papa’s eyes melted a layer of the ice around Thea’s heart, but there were many more layers to go.
Jabari turned to Thea and Rif, bouncing with excitement. “We love the Wavertons and their horses. We’re going to learn how to ride.”
“You know,” Thea said, “Rif is a talented rider. I’m sure he’d be happy to teach you.”
“Will you?” Jabari glanced up at the soldier.
“We can start as soon as you like—tomorrow, even.” Rif touched the boy’s shoulder, then looked up at Thea. “I believe I’ve earned a little time off.”
“You certainly have, Rif.” Thea leaned down and hugged Jabari. “Why don’t you go ask the Wavertons when they would like to start your lessons.”
Jabari ran off to find his brother and talk to his new family.
Rif nodded to her. “You’ve earned some time off too, come to think of it.”
“You’re right. Maybe we should go get that dinner we’ve been talking about for, oh, the last couple of months.” Thea had rushed off to handle a case in Bolivia shortly after returning from Istanbul, so they hadn’t had a chance to enjoy a dinner they’d discussed.
“What an excellent idea. How about Italian?”
“Do you know a place?” She didn’t go out for dinner much in London.
“I do—in Venice.”
Venice. She blushed, then laughed to mask her surprise that she was so excited by the very idea of it. “They ought to have some nice Italian restaurants there.”
“One would hope.” Rif smiled.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
If I were going to be skyjacked, I’d stack the plane with people who have mad skills—asking for the help of those friends who could write me out of trouble, or those that could literally take on the hijackers kinetically and triumph. Thanks to all of these talented individuals who helped settle any turbulence during the making of Skyjack:
This book would be a shadow of itself without the brilliance of two people who have aviation running through their veins. Flight test engineer Bill Scott, the former Rocky Mountain bureau chief for Aviation Week & Space Technology, was instrumental in helping me understand aerobatic stunts, disabling a plane’s electrical system, and landing a jet in extreme circumstances, among other misadventures. Former stealth bomber pilot and commercial airline captain James Hannibal taught me about thunderstorm penetration speed, the dramatic display of static electricity on a windscreen, the deafening noise created by hail hitting a fuselage, and other key details about flight dynamics. These gurus shared their knowledge, advice, and enthusiasm, and I can’t thank them enough. Any errors are mine alone.
Thea Paris has type 1 diabetes, and I’d like to encourage people with diabetes—and those with other illnesses—to remain unstoppable, inspired to reach for the stars. Our grit and determination can take us to amazing places. Thanks to Bethanne Strasser, a dynamic mother of six, author, and runner—your patience and care with my endless questions is deeply appreciated, and your feedback on the diabetes scenes was brilliant. Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, thanks for all that you do for people with diabetes. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge, time, and creative ideas. Thea is lucky to have a doc like you on her team! Bekah Hata from TD1 Mod Squad and Devin Abraham from Once Upon a Crime, thank you for your warm support.
As an action heroine, Thea handles various weapons, uses explosives from time to time, needs jury-rigged solutions, engages in hand-to-hand combat, and thrives on everything tactical. To accurately represent these skills, I need badass help. Christopher Schneider from 5.11 Tactical, you’ve made learning an absolute riot with your personal how-to videos on edgy exploits. Your support and charm always lift me up. Rigo Durazo, acting out those fight scenes on the stairs was incredibly helpful—and Thea lives by your wise philosophy. Adam Hamon, Mr. SAS, I appreciate you sharing tactical suggestions over Tito’s as your stories held me spellbound. Ken Perry, you’re such a positive force in my life, full of sage advice, and the very best photographer of my cover in foreign locales—totally excited about book three, but Killian better prepare to drown his disappointment in Guinness!
A crisis response consultant, Thea travels to hot spots around the world to bring hostages home. I’ve had the honor of meeting several of these real-life heroes, and I only hope Thea can illustrate their bravery. Thanks to Dr. Francis Grimm for his perpetual education and advice—and the best steak dinners. Mark Harris, it’s tempting to have Thea kidnap you so I could hear more of your experiences and brilliant suggestions. Gary Noesner, you bring a unique perspective to Thea’s world, working in hostage negotiation with the FBI and privately—and many scenes are stronger thanks to your insights. And kudos to Sue Williams, my favorite female freedom broker, someone I greatly admire. It has been an absolute honor to know Peter Moore, a wonderful friend who has shared his experiences in captivity after being held in Iraq for almost one thousand days. Nothing makes me happier than shopping for cheese with him in Harrods. And thank you to the brilliant Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman for taking the time to read Skyjack and giving it such an enthusiastic review.
The crime fiction community is a supportive one. It amazes me how many people go out of their way to help others, and I’m deeply appreciative that so many individuals have offered me advice and support. ITW has truly become my family. The Great One, Steve Berry, recommended me for the position of executive director of ThrillerFest, and I’m grateful for this honor, as it’s introduced me into a community like no other. Steve has also been there every step of the way to advise me in this new career. I’d also like to thank Liz Berry for her sensational support with ThrillerFest. It’s an absolute honor to work with such a talented mentor and friend. Jessica Johns, your steadfast support and dedication are inspiring.
Karin Slaughter, thank you for connecting me with VSA, a life-changing moment. Peter James, you and Lara are very special to me. Simon Gervais, let’s do a book tour in the Bahamas! A.J. Tata, thanks for creating Kim Jung Howe. Thank you to Lee Child, Jenny Milchman, Dawn Ius, Bryan Robinson (love those cookies!), Nancy Bilyeau, James Rollins, Linwood Barclay, Neal Griffin, Joseph Finder, Linda Stasi, Anthony Franze, Jennifer Hughes, Barry Lancet, Karen Dionne, Chris Graham, Heather Graham, Amanda Kelly, Kathleen Antrim, Terry Rodgers, Dennis Kennett, Shirley Kennett, Taylor Antrim, Jillian Stein, Roan Chapin, Shannon and John Raab, Lisa Gardner, Lissa Price, and so many more. You know who you are—as you make my day brighter with your kindness. Raising a glass to the Rogue Women Writers who are trailblazing a path for future heroines: Gayle Lynds, Francine Mathews, Jamie Freveletti, Karna Bodman, Sonja Stone, Chris Goff, and S.L. Manning. And to my friends at the Grand Hyatt in NYC: K.J. number one, the super special K.J. Birch, Alison Wied, Wan Yi Tang, and all the other incredible folks who help make the Hyatt my second home. And cheers to Peter Hildick-Smith, one of the smartest and kindest people I know.
Crime writers depend on reviewers and aficionados to spread the word to readers. Jeff Ayers, Jon Land, Mystery Mike Bursaw, George Easter, Don Longmuir, Barbara Peters, Jacques Filippi, Ali Karim, Mike Stotter, Noelle Holten, Sarah Hardy, Pam Stack, Fran Lewis, Dave Simms, Keith Katsikas, thanks for being so supportive—consider Thea on speed dial for you. Michael Dillman, I loved “killing” you using your signature moustache! And the Real Book Spy, Ryan Steck, hi
s lovely wife Melissa (my number-one Thea-ologist), and their phenomenal kids, including little “Mitch Rapp”—you have been beyond generous. I’m touched by your genuine enthusiasm for Thea Paris and her adventures.
Receiving honest feedback from critical minds is a gift, and I’m indebted to Larry Gandle for his contributions in that regard. His analysis of both The Freedom Broker and Skyjack led to significant changes that have made both books stronger. One thing for sure—if Larry offers a compliment, you can truly celebrate, as every word out of his mouth is direct and honest.
Warmest thanks to Donna Scher whose brilliant psychological analysis and eagle eyes helped shape the book from draft to finished manuscript. And Wendy Chan, who is such an ardent cheerleader. Susan Jenkins, Empress of All Things Literary, you’re an inspiration (and a heck of an editor), always working hard and striving for more. Gabi Fockter, your support has been truly amazing. Thanks to Marsha Mann, Angela Trevivian, Suzanna Zeigler, Linda Crank, Robyn Strassguertl, and my phenomenal tennis friends who help clear my mind of sinister plots. Cheers to Russ and Pauline Howe for their lovely support. And thanks to Anne and Chuck Jones for fostering my love of travel and adventure. I’m grateful for Frank Gomberg’s keen eyes and the generous support of Jim Vigmond, Sharon Vigmond, Tim Boland, and Erin Farrell. And warmest thanks to Janet Zucker, Katie Zucker, and Jamie Napoli for believing Thea Paris has film potential.
My team at Quercus is simply remarkable. Each and every member goes above and beyond to offer their support and expertise. Amanda Harkness and Elyse Gregov, thank you for brainstorming with me, dreaming up innovative and fun ideas to spread the word about Thea. Your hard work preparing for the tours is deeply appreciated. Jason Bartholomew, thanks for giving me this wonderful opportunity to share Thea’s adventures. Amelia Ayrelan Iuvino, your brilliant editing, insightful questions, and remarkable attention to detail are so appreciated. A very special thank you to my publisher Nathaniel Marunas for his tireless efforts to delve deeper into character, background, and the recesses of the web to find the most fascinating details. Skyjack is richer and smoother than I could have ever made it alone. And we’ll always have Robbie, with two b’s, the British way.
It’s truly a privilege to be published in the U.K., and I’d like to thank my brilliant team at Headline for their efforts to build an audience for Thea near Quantum International Security headquarters. Led by the intrepid Jennifer Doyle, my sincerest thanks to the Sachertorte and Pimm’s dream team, Jo Liddiard, Millie Seaward, and Kitty Stogdon. And thanks to Emma Horton for the keen editing. You all brighten my day. I appreciate the efforts of the Midas team, who always go the golden mile: Tony Mulliken, Sophie Ransom, Fiona Marsh, and Rachel Kennedy. I’d also like to thank Donna Nopper from Hachette Canada for her kind efforts, Mickey Mikkelson from Creative Edge for his unflagging gusto, and Kim Dower of Kim-from-L.A. for her positivity.
Thea has Quantum International Security backing her up, and I’m proud to have the dynamic Victoria Sanders Agency on my side. Victoria Sanders, thanks for believing in me and Thea. I’ll join you for potato chips and champagne in your pool any day of the week. Bernadette Baker-Vaughn, your warm support and wonderful sense of humor is deeply appreciated. Jessica Spivey, you are so upbeat and helpful, it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
I’d like to give special thanks to David Morrell, to whom this book is dedicated. When I read his spy trilogy years ago, I was inspired to become a thriller author—took a little while, but here I am. Imagine how excited I was to first meet David at Seton Hill while I was doing my Masters in Creative Writing. His sage advice stayed with me, and I kept working diligently on my craft. When I reconnected with him at ThrillerFest, I had the pleasure of writing a profile of him that’s now featured on his website. The day he offered to mentor me, it felt like my life had come full circle. I’m honored to call David a friend, and I have the deepest respect for his incredible drive and body of work. Since creating Rambo in First Blood, he has been a trailblazer in our field, constantly reinventing himself and striving for excellence while still finding time to help others.
A profound thank you to RJH, who is always there, commiserating during the tough times, celebrating the good times, and helping me maintain a sense of humor at all times. My life is so much better with you in it.