She sighed. Spoken like a true cop. She just wished there was something more she could do, something to make it right.
Nick said, “We’re not going to agree all the time, but you earned my respect, Max.” He stepped closer to her. “When do you have to be back in New York?”
“If Ben has his way, I’d be on a plane tonight.”
“I have tonight and Sunday off.”
Max smiled. “I can leave Monday morning.”
“Are you feeling a hundred percent yourself?” A half grin brightened his handsome face.
“Better than one hundred percent,” she said and kissed him. In his ear she whispered, “Did you bring your handcuffs?”
He pulled them from his back pocket with a lopsided grin. “Never leave home without them.”
Acknowledgments
After twenty books, I’m lucky and blessed to have a core group of experts who consistently help me get the details right. If there are any inaccuracies, they are my fault alone.
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, in a small town called San Carlos. Much of what I have included is based on my memories, both from my childhood and my repeated trips home to visit friends and family. But this is fiction, so please forgive any liberties I may have taken—or faulty memory.
A special thanks to FBI Special Agent Steve Dupre, who has always made himself available to answer even the most arcane questions I have. I particularly need to thank Steve and SWAT Senior Team Leader SA Brian Jones for allowing me to participate in numerous training scenarios with access to a broad group of law enforcement.
Dr. D. P. Lyle, fellow author, who has the patience of a saint and the devious mind of … well, let’s just say he’s one of my favorite people to consult for forensic details.
My good friend, author Toni McGee Causey, is one of the few people I trust with my very rough drafts. Her sound, practical advice on the earliest chapters of this book helped make Max a stronger character.
My editor, Kelley Ragland, and the entire Minotaur team have been amazing to work with, and I feel truly blessed to be part of their family. Kelley’s editorial guidance was spot on, and her assistant Elizabeth Lacks juggles many balls with good humor and patience. Thanks also to Andy Martin and Matthew Shear who brought me into the fold and have been consistently supportive and enthusiastic.
I especially want to thank my agent, Dan Conaway. Three years ago I pitched this story to him when all I had was a basic premise involving an investigative crime reporter named Max Revere. He said, “I love the idea. But what if Max was a girl?” Everything then came into focus, and Notorious was born.