As always, I have to thank my wife, Debbie. The past year has been the most tumultuous in my life and I wouldn’t have gotten through it without her. I also must thank my editor at NAL, Doug Grad, for his understanding and infinite patience. In the post-September 11 world, I’ve found sources more reluctant to discuss technical matters, even though my books are fiction. Those that do lend their expertise tend to wish to remain anonymous. I suspect other authors have seen this as well. Rest assured there are dozens of people who helped me in writing this novel and it certainly wouldn’t have been possible without them.