Blowback

“Yes, Señor,” replied the clerk as he exited the veranda and headed back up to the lobby.

Whatever it is, they’ll have to find a way to survive without me, thought Harvath. At least for the next two weeks.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

If you are interested in learning more about Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps and the use of chemical and biological weapons in the ancient world, I highly recommend Hannibal Crosses the Alps by John Prevas and Greek Fire, Poison Arrows amp; Scorpion Bombs-Biological and Chemical Warfare in the Ancient World by Adrienne Mayor.

Both John and Adrienne were extremely helpful in my researching of this novel, and I thank them for their generosity.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My fascination with Hannibal began many years ago when I stumbled across a book about him in the library of my grade school-the Hardey Prep School for Boys in Chicago. I can’t remember the title of that book, but I do remember that I couldn’t put it down. While the teachers at Hardey always encouraged us to read, doing so while they were trying to teach class was usually frowned upon. I suppose there are worse things to be caught doing than reading, but when I was found out, my argument that Hannibal’s journey was much more interesting than what was currently being taught earned me a one-way ticket to the office of Sister Mary McMahon, RSCJ. In the intelligent and compassionate manner that is the hallmark of the nuns of the Sacred Heart, Sister McMahon imparted to me one of the most valuable pieces of wisdom an author could ever hope to acquire-it’s not necessarily what you say, but how you say it.

In that spirit, I hope my words do justice to the efforts of the people who helped me write this novel. In particular, there were two very important people who worked tirelessly to make this book a reality. The first is my beautiful wife, Trish. Not only did she find ways to constantly challenge me to make Blowback the best it could be, she gave birth to our second child. Honey, you are beyond incredible. Thank you for your support and for our beautiful baby. I love you more than you will ever know.

The second person is someone who brainstormed with me at all times of the day and night and was always there as my sounding board when inspiration struck. He also came up with a lot of great ideas of his own. With such a wonderfully devious mind, I’m glad my good friend Scott F. Hill, Ph.D., is on our side.

Knowing their nature, the following gentlemen will undoubtedly downplay their contributions to this novel, but I am grateful not only for their assistance, but also the service they have rendered and continue to render our country: the real “Bullet Bob, “Chuck Fretwell, Rudy Guerin (we’re going alphabetically here), Steve Hoffa, and Chad Norberg.

As always, the Sun Valley crew continues to provide me with the latest and greatest intelligence and intelligence contacts. My deep gratitude goes to Gary Penrith, Frank Gallagher, Tom Baker, and Daryl Mills (we’re going by golf scores here-which direction I won’t say).

Tom Whowell gave me my first summer job, and now I have put him to work reading my galleys. Tom, your eye for detail is amazing. Thank you for joining the team as my newest sharpshooter and for such a thorough read.

From the very top on down, the Drug Enforcement Administration was a wonderful group of people to work with. My thanks to everyone there, especially the folks out at Quantico and the Firearms Training Unit.

Thanks to my two Washington insiders, David Vennett and Patrick Doak, who always find a way to make sure my visits to DC are exciting, intriguing, and downright unforgettable.

If it speaks German, eats sushi, or flies, I never write about it without running it by my dear friend Richard Levy with American Airlines. Servus to you and Anne.

Thanks to Bart Berry of Aquarius Training and Development for the mountaineering assistance. I’ll see you when the tuna start running.

Jane Buikstra was kind enough to introduce me to Dr. Mary Lucas Powell, who opened the doors of paleopathology to me and gave me a fascinating education.

Captain J. Philip Ludvigson, Captain Armando Riveron, and Tammy Reed were very gracious in teaching me the ins and outs of the U.S. Army’s amazing Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.

When you have two people who are so equally important in your career as my terrific agent and my unparalleled editor are, you never know whom to thank first. I took the chicken’s way out, and since I thanked my editor first last time, it’s now my agent’s turn. Heide Lange, it’s ironic that as an author I cannot find the words to tell you how much you mean to me. Your friendship and guidance make all of the hard work worth it. After marrying Trish, the smartest thing I ever did was asking you to be my agent. Thank you for everything you have done for me.