Brad Thor - The First Commandment

Having snuck in that thank-you to my wife, I want to now thank you, the readers. It has been a pleasure meeting you on tour and at book festivals and writing conferences across the country. It is because you recommend me to your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers that my career is growing. I continue to be humbled and appreciative of your support.

Without the fabulous bookstoresand the Atria/Pocket sales staff, you wouldn’t be holding this in your hands right now. I am extremely grateful to all the people who have worked so hard to build me as an author and who strive to make every book bigger than the last. It is a team effort, and along with the Pocket/Atria art and production departments, I couldn’t hope to be aligned with more creative, intelligent, or nicer people in the publishing business.

I dedicated this book to Scott F. Hill, PhD, for many reasons. His knowledge of the thriller genre is broader and deeper than that of any human being I have ever met. He continues to be an excellent sounding board and a great friend to brainstorm with. More than that, Scott is a model patriot who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of our veterans. People like him make me proud to call myself an American.

I have a pool of gentlemen and one lady who have definitely been there, done that, and have the T-shirt to prove it. I like to refer to them as my sharpshooters, and they work hard to make sure I get things right. When I don’t, it’s my fault, not theirs. In no particular order, these exceptional patriots are Rodney Cox, Chuck Fretwell, Steve Hoffa, Chad Norberg, and Steven C. Bronson. To this list I am honored to also welcome and thank Cynthia Longoand Ronald Moore.

My Sun Valley crew was right there with the latest in political and federal law enforcement issues. My sincere thanks, as always, go out to Gary Penrith, Frank Gallagher, Tom Baker, Daryl Mills, and Terry Mangan.

Anyone who has been to the annual gathering in Sun Valley knows how much we all appreciate the folks at Taser International. In particular, I want to thank my good pal Steve Tuttlefor all of his help with this book. All of the good guys who deploy with Taser products know how exceptional they are and that they absolutely save lives. Thanks, Steve.

Ronaldo Palmera is a slime bag of the highest order who was based upon a real terrorist. In no way should he be confused with my delightful father-in-law, Ronald Palmer. Ron’s vast experience south of the border was the inspiration for all things Mexican in this novel, and his insight and guidance was, as always, very much appreciated.

Patrick Doakand David Vennetthave remained my steadfast guides through the wilds of Washington politics. I couldn’t write what I write without them and I wouldn’t have near as much fun when I visit D. C. Thank you, gentlemen.

Bart Berryof Aquarius Training Systems can always come up with just the right thing to help me with my novel. He is both my cousin and climbing instructor, and while I didn’t need much climbing help with this book, like Ron, he also has significant experience south of the border, and I thank him for his input.

As always, if it flies, eats sushi, or speaks German, I will absolutely not write about it without running it by Richard and Anne Levy, as well as our dear friend Alice.

Tom and Geri Whowellonce again provided invaluable assistance with my manuscript. From what I understand, “Scot Harvath” is now a password at both Fontana, Wisconsin ’s Gordy’s Boat House bar and restaurant as well as the Cobalt boat dealership. How much of a discount it gets you, I have no idea, but I plan to find out this summer. I’ll know that I’ve really arrived when they decide to name a drink after me.

Tom Gosseis one of the neatest people I know. As a funeral director, he provided me with some invaluable information for this book. His brother-in-law Patrick Ahern is a great friend, and I am sure the fact that I killed off Pat’s character in my first book but let Gosse live in this one will be a source of good-natured grief I will have to live with for some time.

I have some other good friends who are out there kicking ass and taking hyphenated names on a daily basis. No matter where they are or what they are doing, they are willing to answer my questions. True to their reputations as “quiet professionals,” they asked that I not recognize them by name here. You all know who you are, and I thank you.

I also need to thank Mark, Ellen, and everyone else at La Rue Tacticaldown in Texas for their kindness to me and their unwavering support of our elite warriors in the field.

My two greatest assets, advocates, and allies are my magnificent agent, Heide Lange, and my superb editor, Emily Bestler. Their contributions to my career are immeasurable, and I know for a fact that neither of them will ever grasp how important they are to me. Thank you.

Two more ladies in the pantheon of publishing who are invaluable to me are my publishers, Louise Burkeand Judith Curr. It is through their tireless efforts that my career is where it is, and I thank them.

Jack Romanosand Carolyn Reidyoften operate behind the scenes without much thanks from their authors. Each year I learn a little bit more about the book business, and as I do, my appreciation for what they do, in particular for my career, grows. Thank you for everything.

With the passing of James Brown, David Brownhas inherited the mantle of the hardest-working man in show business. On the eighth day God created publicists, but they were not all created equal. David Brown was created head and shoulders above the rest. From the Top of the Rock to the Pig amp; Whistle, thanks for everything, David.

Alex Canon, Laura Stern, and Sarah Branhamcontinue to be incredibly helpful day in and day out. This small mention here hardly comes close to thanking them for everything they do for me.

Ernest Hemingway once said that to be a good writer you need to be possessed of a shockproof bullshit detector. I think the same attribute is necessary for a good lawyer, especially one in Hollywood. I’m extremely fortunate in that I don’t have a good lawyer, I have a great one. Scott Schwimeris hands down the best entertainment attorney in the industry. He has also become one of my best friends, and for that I am doubly blessed.