“Point taken, and I’m sure there will be a learning curve, but Matt, you’ve rejected virtually everyone I’ve sent to you. We had a major win in Spokane, the bosses are happy. We need to fully staff your unit now while everyone remembers what a great job you did.”

“Okay.”

“Okay? You mean it?”

“Yes. When does she start?”

“As soon as I can get her through a two-week FBI training session.”

“What? She’s not going to be an agent?”

“No—she’ll still be employed by LAPD and assigned to the FBI. We don’t do it often, but it’s not unheard of. I’m going to have the AD at Quantico customize a program for her—part physical, part tactical, but mostly legal issues. Federal warrants, rules and regs that differ from LAPD. But if she’s half as good as you say she is, I’m not worried.”

“She is,” Matt said.

He wasn’t worried. Because Kara Quinn could be anyone she wanted—or anyone she thought was needed. And that was the problem.

After eight days of working together, of talking with her, of sleeping with her, Matt didn’t know if he knew the real Kara Quinn.

Or if Kara even remembered who she was.

Acknowledgments

My family puts up with a lot from me! When I’m writing (which is most of the time) I can be absent-minded. If I didn’t have a calendar on my computer, I would forget the day. My kids, those still at home as well as those making their own way in the world—I would be a lesser human without you all in my life. My mom, who has supported my dreams from day one (literally!)—thank you for being both my mom and my friend. And my husband, Dan, who has picked up the slack when I slack off on day-to-day life—I couldn’t do this without you.

Research is critical, especially when you write crime fiction. I rely on many people to help me get the details right. While sometimes I tweak things for the story, I try to avoid errors. But on occasion, I make mistakes—if you find one, please blame me, not the people who generously gave their time and talent to help me get the facts right.

Retired FBI Special Agent Steven Dupre is always willing to listen to a scenario and if he doesn’t know the answer, he finds someone who does. I don’t think I could write FBI stories with his counsel!

And thank you to Crime Scene Writers, a group of selfless professionals, retired and still working, who answer questions for writers. In particular, I want to thank Wally Lind, Steven Brown, and Dr. Judy Melinek for help on this particular book. I post some odd questions and no one bats an eye.

Writers form an amazing community for other writers, and when we need help or encouragement, writers are there. In particular, the super-talented and generous Catherine Coulter, who has been not just a mentor, but a friend, deserves a big shout-out. And always, J.T. Ellison, who I met at my first ever Thrillerfest, and has been a sounding board ever since. Thank you for all your support over the years, and in particular with this book. I’m excited that we are finally under the same umbrella!