“We’re making a cake.”
“How . . . ?” He hadn’t wanted to tell them, to tease them.
“Ellis called.” Anne put her arms around him also, and they stood, three as one, in the cool dusk, as Tonka made mad joyous loops around them.
“A chocolate cake,” Emmie said.
“I never would have guessed.”
“It’s good to see you, John.”
“It’s good to be home.” Wells closed his eyes and hoped he spoke true.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Publishing is hard. The Putnam team makes it look easy. Thanks to Neil Nyren for his wise suggestions, Ivan Held for his belief in John Wells, Karen Fink (who was present at the creation!) for her publicity efforts, and the rest of the team for answering my often obscure questions. Bob Barnett and Deneen Howell prove that not everyone in D.C. is untrustworthy. Deirdre Silver and my brother David made invaluable suggestions on the first draft.
As for Jackie, Lucy, and Ezra . . . you make every day the best possible adventure . . . John Wells doesn’t know what he’s missing (though he’s learning).
If you’ve gotten this far, drop a note to me at [email protected], or follow me on Facebook or Twitter. I promise I’ll write back, though I can’t promise you’ll want to hear what I say.
Thanks, and see you next year . . .
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a reporter for The New York Times, Alex Berenson covered topics ranging from the occupation of Iraq to the flooding of New Orleans to the financial crimes of Bernie Madoff. This is his eleventh John Wells novel. His debut, The Faithful Spy, won the Edgar Award. Berenson lives with his family in New York’s Hudson Valley.
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