As they approached him, Alex glanced at her, confused. “We already know Lieutenant Hauck, Mom.”

“I know you do, hon,” Karen said. She lifted her sunglasses and smiled at him. “I want you to meet him again. His name is Ty.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Each book is a mirror reflecting the outside world, and I’d like to say thanks to the following, all of whom have brought the outside world to life for me far more vividly through the creation of The Dark Tide:

Mark Schwarzman, Roy and Robin Grossman, and Gregory Kopchinsky, for their help on hedge funds and the movement of money across continents-all aboveboard, naturally.

Kirk Dauksavage, Rick McNees, and Pete Carroll of River-glass, designers of an advanced security software far more sophisticated than that portrayed herein, for their help with information about ways the Internet is mined for national security. As one character says, “I feel safer for it.”

Vito Collucci Jr., an ex-Stamford, Connecticut, police detective turned cable news consultant, and an author in his own right, for his help on police and investigative matters.

Liz and Fred Scoponich, for who you are and for the assists on classic Mustangs, too.

Simon Lipskar of Writers House for his support, and my team at William Morrow: Lisa Gallagher, Lynn Grady, Debbie Stier, Pam Jaffee, Michael Barrs, Gabe Robinson, and, mostly, David Highfill, who throws me just enough praise to make me believe I know what I’m doing now and then, and enough direction to steer clear of my worst traits. And also Amanda Ridout and Julia Wisdom over at HarperCollins in London.

Maureen Sugden, once again, for her diligence and steadfastness in waging the good fight against italics.

To my wife, Lynn, with me every step of the way, and who always lifts me up to do my best.

But mostly to Kristen, Matt, and Nick, whom I am more proud of now, for who they’ve become as adults in the world, than all the dance recitals, college acceptances, and squash matches of their youth. Your reflection is on every page.

About the Author

ANDREW GROSS is the author of the New York Times and international bestseller The Blue Zone and coauthor of five number one bestselling novels with James Patterson. He lives in Westchester County, New York, with his wife, Lynn. They have three children. To learn more about him, visit www.andrewgrossbooks.com or www.myspace.com/ andrewgrossbooks.