He nodded.
“I wasn’t ready to talk.”
“That made two of us.”
“I’ve never seen such a beautiful service. It made me cry.”
“The Marine Corps Honor Guard units are volunteers. It’s hard for me to hold it together when I attend those services. I wish more young people appreciated veterans.”
“You looked really sharp in your Dress Blues. I know I’m biased, but you Marines have the best uniforms.”
“Hey, at least it still fits.”
“In hindsight, talking to you at the service would’ve been easy.”
Nathan didn’t say anything.
“Ethan says I’ve been really grouchy lately.”
“That’s hard to picture.”
“Trust me, I can be really mean.”
“Everyone can. Want to head down to the breakwater?”
“The breakwater?”
“It’s an old La Jolla icon. It created the Children’s Pool, a small sheltered cove of beach, but the seals have reclaimed it. I think it’s a preserve now, not sure.”
Neither of them spoke while they walked. Life was so amazing and rich, and yet so equally full of disappointment and heartache. Such was the human condition—a continuous struggle to overcome obstacles. Nathan hoped it never got easier.
As if reading his mind, she said, “We’re going to take things one day at a time.”
He squeezed her hand tighter.
And felt safe.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks are owed to the following people:
Dr. Douglas Reavie, FACS, for his input on and insights about the Sharp Memorial Hospital scene.
Tom Davin, CEO of 5.11 Tactical, for allowing me to use his products and clothing lines in the books. Tom also served as a Recon with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines—“First of the First.”
John Torres, former ATF deputy assistant director. I first met John at the ATF Citizens’ Academy in 2010 when he was the SAC of the Los Angeles field office, and he’s been a good friend ever since. Anything stated correctly about the ATF is to John’s credit; anything missed is on me.
Corporal Tim Haley, a retired US Marine. Tim served with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines—“The Walking Dead.” Tim saw action at Khe Sanh; what more needs to be said?
Pastor Charlie Little of Templeton Presbyterian Church for his permission to use him as a real character in the book. Charlie’s guidance and leadership in my life are essential for my spiritual health.
Mike Holmes of Molokai Fishing, for his help with the Kaunakakai Ferry Terminal scene.
Erick and Mary Ann Reinstedt: their friendship is treasured.
Jake Elwell, my agent. Jake stuck with me during the early years!
Alan Turkus, Jacque Ben-Zekry, Jeff Belle, and the entire Thomas & Mercer team. My journey with Amazon Publishing has been extraordinary in every sense of the word. Writing novels is hard work, but the T&M team makes the publication experience enjoyable.
Perhaps most important, my freelance editor Ed Stackler. From original story concept to finished product, Ed plays a vital role in the Nathan McBride adventures. I couldn’t write these books without his help.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
The Nathan McBride books employ a combination of real and imagined locations and people. In First to Kill, I created a completely fictional FBI field office in Sacramento. In Option to Kill, I used the actual Fashion Valley mall and its surrounding area.
I stepped out of my comfort zone to write Contract to Kill. I think authors need to do that every so often to challenge themselves. I don’t like painting the military or law enforcement with a dark brush. I believe our service members, law enforcement personnel, and first responders are heroes in every sense of the word. Are there bad apples in those professions? Yes, of course, but we shouldn’t allow the actions of an extremely small minority to be representative of everyone else.
The world of private military contractors (PMCs) is nebulous. Lots of money exchanges hands at many different levels, and, with that, there’s always the possibility of corruption. I believe most PMCs are honest, hardworking, and dedicated individuals. Sadly, for some people, money becomes an addictive drug, and its obsessive pursuit can change a good person into a wicked person.
Having said that, I believe people are people, no matter what their socioeconomic background is. Proof can be found in the following example: take a Wall Street millionaire and a small-town barber, and put them in a sealed room together with no food or water. In a few days, they’re the same. They’re both hungry and thirsty and miserable. My point is this: basic human needs are universal, and at the core—male or female—we’re all the same.
Nathan McBride is far from perfect. His character is larger than life, but he’s not superhuman, and he makes mistakes. Nathan has many flaws, but he’ll never compromise his core beliefs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2011 Mike Theiler
Andrew Peterson is the international bestselling author of the Nathan McBride series. A native of San Diego, he holds an architectural degree from the University of Oklahoma. Andrew is an avid marksman who has won numerous high-power rifle competitions. He enjoys flying helicopters, camping and hiking, scuba diving, and an occasional round of golf.
Andrew has donated more than two thousand books to American troops serving overseas and wounded soldiers recovering in military hospitals. He lives in Monterey County, California, with his wife, Carla, and their two dogs.
Visit Andrew’s website at www.andrewpeterson.com, and follow him on Twitter at @APetersonNovels, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Andrew.Peterson.Author.
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