Luther had had only one career his entire life. At that age most men had settled down into second careers as grandfathers, part-time raisers of their children's children, when weary joints were eased down into familiar recliners and arteries finished closing up with the clutter of a lifetime. Sixty-six years old, Luther Whitney was eligible to collect Social Security, and was a card-carrying member of AARP. For all the occasions he had said that to himself, this time he felt sure. Quiet, blue, see-through water, powdery salmon-colored sunsets and late mornings. Soon he might be going to the land of palms. And from a very unlikely source.Ī pair of miniature palm trees hung from the rearview mirror. A duffel bag lay on the front seat beside him. He shifted easily, confidently in his seat. He took a moment to adjust to the surroundings and then pulled out a pair of worn but still effective night-vision binoculars. A few last scraps of gravel kicked out of the tire treads and then silence enveloped him. H E GRIPPED THE STEERING WHEEL LOOSELY AS THE CAR, ITS lights out, drifted slowly to a stop. Richard Marvin and Joe Barry, for technical advice on security systems.Īnd to Art, Lynette, Ronni, Scott, and Randy for all their love and support. Steve and Mary Jennings, for technical advice, legwork, and being the best friends anyone could hope for. Steven Wilmsen, a fellow writer, who well knows how hard it is, and who fed me good advice and tons of encouragement all along the way. And to Larry Kirshbaum, who saw something in the pages very late at night and changed my life forever. My editor, Maureen Egen, for making my freshman publication experience so painless and rewarding. And to the Priest Agency's editor-in residence, Frances Jalet-Miller, whose insights and thoughful comments made me dig deeper into my characters and made the book far better in the process. And his assistant, Lisa Vance, who diligently answers every one of my questions, no matter how off-the-wall. Jim and Everne Spiegel, for all their support and encouragement.Īaron Priest, the man who plucked me from obscurity, my friend and agent for life, and a helluva nice guy on top of it. Karen Spiegel, my biggest fan on the West Coast, may there be many huge movies and small statuettes in your future.

Jennifer Karas, for being a terrific friend and avid supporter and for getting the ball rolling way back when.

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