“A hero too,” Axel said.
“But I couldn’t save him,” Dani continued. “Couldn’t save any of them.” She thought of her father, of her fellow Rangers, and, finally, of Toro. “I don’t deserve any special recognition.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Axel said. “The medal is for putting yourself in harm’s way, even if it means getting hurt.”
“Maybe you’ll believe it when the Army makes it official,” Erica said. “You have the biggest heart of anyone I know.”
Dani reached out to pull her brother and sister into a tight embrace. She was her father’s daughter after all.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My husband, Mike, has been incredibly supportive through all my endeavors. The best partner and friend anyone could want, he is my rock.
My son, Max, brings me joy every day. How blessed I am to play a part in his journey.
So much more than an agent, Liza Fleissig shares my vision and makes miracles happen. Her advice, support, and outstanding professionalism have been life changing for me and many others.
My other agent, Ginger Harris-Dontzin, joined Liza to take me on a whirlwind tour of Lower Manhattan, the Bronx, the subway system, and other areas featured in this story, lending their insight as native New Yorkers to bring the venue to life.
Special thanks to my neighbor, friend, and private pilot Rod Kunkel, who helped me figure out how a small plane could theoretically traverse the country while eluding detection. (Don’t try it!)
The men and women of the FBI work without expectation of fame or fortune. They dedicate themselves to upholding their motto, “Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity.” A special thanks goes out to Ret. Special Agent Jerri Williams, who shares their stories in her award-winning FBI Retired Case File Review podcast.
To create a fictional story with an authentic feel, it’s imperative to speak to those who were there. Former FBI executive Lauren C. Anderson, who served in New York City, was generous with her time and considerable expertise. Any liberties taken or mistakes are my own.
Thanks also to former Marine and retired FBI Special Agent Mitch Stern, who helped keep me on track with both military and FBI facts.
Senior editor Megha Parekh, my acquiring editor with Thomas & Mercer, has been with me through every part of the process. I am grateful for her support and willingness to work with me as the story took shape.
My developmental editor, Charlotte Herscher, put her impressive talent toward making this story better. Her incisive observations and keen eye for details were invaluable.
The amazing team of marketing, editing, and artwork professionals at Thomas & Mercer is second to none. This story is particularly complex, and they worked with me tirelessly to double-check each component of the unfolding mystery. I am incredibly blessed to have such talented professionals by my side.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author Isabella Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before turning to crime writing. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in the Fairfax County Police Department just outside DC, she retired as the commander of special investigations and forensics. During more than two decades on the force, her assignments included hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and district station commander. She uses her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing, which includes the bestselling FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera series (optioned by Netflix for a feature film starring Jennifer Lopez) and the Detective Veranda Cruz series. Her books have been translated into twenty languages. For more information, visit www.isabellamaldonado.com.