WINNER TAKES ALL

by Robert Bidinotto

  Liz Baker, Caroline Joy Barnhart, Kathy Barnhart, Joani Barr, Jonas Barr, Bill Brent, Pramod Challa, William Dale, Tyler Donoghue, Roger Donway, Stephen England, Mark Gardner, Greg Gerig, Ian Graham, Dan Harrison, Robert Jones, Claudia Leone, Jason Lockwood, Steven Lord, Kenneth Miller, Henry Scuoteguazza, Hendrik Sharples, Jason Stotts, Gabrielle Suglia, Gary Triplett, Gregory Wall, and Thomas Weller. A handful of additional volunteers could not participate due to medical and other personal issues, but I am indebted to them for their support and enthusiasm.

  Next, my deepest thanks to those professionals in the “I.C.”—the intelligence community—who generously reviewed the portions of the book dealing with the CIA, NSA, and related agencies and matters. Precisely because the activities of these agencies are highly classified and take place in restricted places, it’s difficult for any outsider to present them plausibly, let alone realistically. It’s impossible to capture solely from books, articles, and online sources the ambiance, jargon, procedures, and “you are there” feel of authenticity that only insiders can provide. For self-evident reasons, these individuals have asked not to be named. But I’m profoundly grateful to them for any credibility my book has about intelligence-related matters, and for the invaluable services they perform to keep our nation safe and secure.

  One of the fun aspects of writing a novel is inventing the names of characters. Early in my writing, I invited recipients of “Bullet Points”—my free email newsletter to Dylan Hunter fans—to participate in a “name the character” contest. I was looking for an appropriate name for the Independent candidate for president, and a number of folks offered great names. I finally selected “Roger Tyler Helm.”

  That winning entry was suggested by Tyler Donoghue, a dedicated fan of the Dylan Hunter series. Tyler also is one of the most courageous men I know, who has faced cruel hardships with extraordinary grace and spirit. Thank you, Tyler, for suggesting to me the name of your beloved grandfather. I hope he likes the great character wearing it and is relieved that I let that character survive. Thanks also for serving as a beta reader.

  Other participants who offered fine suggestions are: Patti Blask, Roland Breault, Bob Bryant, Nellie Guthner, Samantha Hallock, Kay Harms, Tracy Harris, Lori Larsen, Marilyn Mann, Tim McSherry, Jason Monaghan, John Pardee, Shawn Reynolds, Mickey Rudolph, Mike Stephenson, Rosemarie Wilhelm, and Vicki Williams.

  Among other indispensable members of the Dylan Hunter support network whose contributions to the success of my books can’t be adequately measured:

  My talented cover designer, Allen Chiu (http://allenchiu.com), once again hit it out of the park. His covers draw thousands of browsing Amazon customers to my books, and I can’t thank him enough.

  Jason Anderson of Polgarus Studio (www.Polgarusstudio.com) is responsible for the formatting and layout of the ebook and print editions of the books, including this one. Jason takes my words and makes them readable.

  Everyone asks me, “When is Dylan Hunter going to become a TV or movie?” If it happens, it’s likely going to be because of the efforts of two fine thriller authors who are also Hollywood entrepreneurs: Matt Cook and Jeff Edwards of Braveship Entertainment (www.braveshipentertainment.com). These gentlemen (Matt is CEO, Jeff runs the book division) love Dylan Hunter, and their company is developing thrillers into feature films, video games, and related projects. Our fingers are crossed. Stay tuned.

  Thanks also to entertainment attorney Kevin Koloff (http://www.kevinkoloff.com), for his efforts to give Dylan Hunter additional attention in Hollywood.

  Joshua Zader (www.atlaswebdev.com) did fabulous work designing my blog, “The Vigilante Author” (www.bidinotto.com). Visit it and see for yourself—and while you’re there, sign up for my email list, okay?

  My terrific agent, Sarah Hershman (www.hershmanrightsmanagement.com), landed BAD DEEDS a nice audiobook deal with Audible. She’ll be handling foreign and audio publishing arrangements for WINNER TAKES ALL, too.

  Once again, let me sing the praises of Rob Walton, designer of “WriteItNow,” the fantastic novel-writing software I have used to write all three books. If you are a fiction author, check it out here: (www.ravensheadservices.com). You’ll be amazed.

  Writing is a solitary pursuit, and the community of authors is tight-knit and mutually supportive. Without the following fabulous writers communicating with me by email, phone, and sometimes—happily—in person, I would be a pathetic recluse in a bathrobe with six-inch fingernails: you know, Howard Hughes, but without the money. Here are just a few of the terrific authors who share their insights, advice, feedback, marketing tips, and platforms with me—and who have generously promoted my books to their own readers:

  Stephen England (www.stephenwrites.com), Edd Voss (http://eddvoss.com), Ian Graham (www.iangrahamthrillers.com), Rose Robbins (www.roserobbinsonline.com), Steven Konkoly (www.stevenkonkoly.com), Gary Ponzo (https://www.garyponzo.com), Robert McDermott (http://www.remcdermott.com), Allan Leverone (http://www.allanleverone.com), Martin Crosbie (http://martincrosbie.com), Michael J. Sullivan (http://riyria.blogspot.com), J.Carson Black (http://jcarsonblack.com), John Clarkson (https://www.johnclarkson.com), Neil Russell (www.neil-russell.com), and Wayne Stinnett (http://waynestinnett.com).

  The writers named include some dear friends who contribute to my life in ways beyond our professional interests. But in addition to them, no list of thank-yous would be complete without mentioning my close family and friends.

  To my many friends and fans at Kent Island United Methodist Church, Shore United Bank, and Queen Anne’s Chorale, whose support has been unwavering and heartfelt.

  To long-time and beloved friends Steve and Cindy Lord, Henry Scuoteguazza and Claudia Leone, Hank and Erika Holzer, Gene and Sally Holloway, the entire Slate clan, and the entire Bidinotto clan. Love you all.

  To my brother Ed Bidinotto, whose love and loyalty has been steadfast for over six decades. Hope you enjoy this one, Brother.

  To my daughter Katrina, and granddaughters Doria and Enid: three amazing young ladies whom I love and admire beyond words. And to Margaret, for so many things, including the gift of our daughter.

  To my best friend, Alan Paul—who has endured my soliloquys, rants, brainstorms, joys, and sorrows with infinite forbearance, steady encouragement, and unflagging humor; who has fixed my computers and my attitude, as necessary; who has enriched my life with his brilliance, wisdom, wit, knowledge, and character. Alan, I am truly blessed by your friendship.

  Finally, to my wife Cynthia . . .

  When I was a younger man, I fantasized that I would find a woman of great soul and grand talent, of intelligence and beauty, of sensitivity and passion. However, I’ve been far luckier than that. I found one with the patience, understanding, generosity, and love to accept life with a difficult, often-distracted man.

  I couldn’t have written this trilogy without you, love. You’ve helped me fulfill my dreams.

  Now, let’s go chase a few of yours.

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