HUNTER

by Bidinotto, Robert

  His many articles, essays, book and film reviews also have appeared in the Washington Times, the Boston Herald, Success, The American Spectator, Writer’s Digest, and other publications. Robert was awarded the Free Press Association’s Mencken Award in 1985 for “Best Feature Story,” and he has been honored by the National Victim Center and other victim-rights organizations for his outspoken public advocacy on behalf of crime victims. As an editor, in 2007, he won the magazine industry’s top honor for editorial excellence—the Folio gold “Eddie” Award. A popular speaker, he has appeared as a guest on scores of major talk programs.

  With his wife, Cynthia, and their stridently individualistic cat, Luna, Robert makes his home on the Chesapeake Bay, where he is working on the further adventures of Dylan Hunter.

  A Note to Readers

  Did you enjoy HUNTER? Would you like to see more stories featuring Dylan, Annie, Wonk, Danika, Garrett, and, of course, Luna?

  Then I’d be grateful if you’d recommend HUNTER to your friends, on social-networking sites and blogs, and in “reader reviews” on Amazon, Smashwords, and other online book retailers. And tell your local bookstore that they should stock the print edition.

  The success of this, Dylan Hunter’s first adventure, will determine his future. Surely you wouldn’t want the vigilante to retire, would you? Don’t you want to know what happens in future tales, such as Crusader, Bad Deeds, and Blind Copy?

  Then, please spread the word that HUNTER is available as an ebook and as a print book.

  This book has been released in ebook formats for the Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, iPad, and others. If you don’t have an ebook reader, you can download free “Kindle apps” from the Amazon Kindle website, then read the ebook on your own preferred device.

  HUNTER also has been published as a trade paperback by Avenger Books, available on Amazon.com. You can obtain a personally inscribed copy—either for yourself or as a gift for someone special—at the Avenger Books website (link below). When you make your purchase there, please tell me how you want me to inscribe it. It will be shipped to you within 24 hours.

  Bookstores and retail outlets interested in carrying HUNTER should contact:

  Avenger Books

  P.O. Box 555

  Chester, MD 21619

  www.AvengerBooks.com

  If you’d like to contact me, drop me an email at: RobertTheWriter@gmail.com

  I comment on thrillers, “indie” publishing, and fiction generally at “The Vigilante Author” blog: www.bidinotto.com And if you’re intrigued by the provocative viewpoints expressed in HUNTER, check out my nonfiction blog: http://bidinotto.blogspot.com

  You also can find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bidinotto And on Twitter: @RobertBidinotto

  Behind the Scenes

  Like the story of its title character, the story of HUNTER grew from incidents in my own life. And while I hope the tale provides readers with grand entertainment, my purpose in writing this novel could not be more serious.

  For six years during the late 1980s and early 1990s, I was an investigative journalist for Reader’s Digest, specializing in “true crime” stories. That preoccupation began when I investigated, then wrote, the now-famous article in the July 1988 issue about the Massachusetts prison furlough program. Titled “Getting Away with Murder,” the article made the name “Willie Horton” famous during that year’s presidential election. Political historians say that it had a major impact on the outcome of the election between George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis.

  But its major impact on me was to raise my awareness about the plight of crime victims, and how they were routinely abused, ignored, and further victimized by the criminal justice system.

  During the course of that investigation, I met rape victims. Parents of murdered children. Countless targets of thugs who had been released, irresponsibly and prematurely, into halfway houses—into unsupervised “furloughs” from prison—into early parole and “diversionary” probation “supervision”—a host of other “alternatives to incarceration.”

  The faces of those victims haunted me during many sleepless nights.

  Their faces haunt me still.

  During subsequent investigations, I learned little-known truths about the systemic leniency of the criminal justice system—and about those who made it so. I wrote investigative articles under such titles as “Freed to Rape Again,” “Revolving-Door Justice,” “The Law Criminals Love,” and “When Criminals Go Free.”

  I learned that there was an “Excuse-Making Industry” of intellectuals in the social-science establishment: philosophers, psychologists, political scientists, legal scholars, sociologists, criminologists, economists, and historians, whose theories have shaped our modern legal system. That “industry” also consists of an activist wing of social workers, counselors, therapists, legal-aid and civil-liberties lawyers, “inmate rights” advocates, “progressive” politicians, and activists.

  It was this industry which, in the Sixties and Seventies, initiated a quiet revolution in the criminal justice system, and routed the last of those who believed that the legal system’s purpose should be to apprehend and punish criminals. Instead, the Excuse-Making Industry—united in the belief that the criminal isn’t responsible for his actions—rejected the fundamental premise of the justice system: justice.

  In 1994, I published a book, Criminal Justice? The Legal System vs. Individual Responsibility—an anthology of articles by me, and by legal scholars, exposing this corruption. I also wrote a short book of horror stories documenting the bloody consequences of the Excuse-Making Industry’s policies, titled Freed to Kill.

  I tell you this, because you should know that the descriptions in HUNTER of the workings of the legal system, of “alternatives to incarceration,” of “diversionary sentences,” of crimes by predators recycled constantly from prisons to streets and back, and of the hideous personal impact on crime victims, are accurate accounts of the actual workings of today’s legal system.

  For example, the criminal histories in HUNTER are composites of many real individuals. The memo on the bulletin board in Chapter 10, listing all the sports opportunities in one prison, is a verbatim transcript of an actual memo, in my possession, posted at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Norfolk (sent to me by an outraged corrections officer). Descriptions of inmate amenities are drawn from my personal observations during visits to prisons all over the United States, while researching my November 1994 Digest article, “Must Our Prisons Be Resorts?” The meeting of the crime-victims group in Chapter 14 was inspired by a dinner meeting I had with members of Parents of Murdered Children in Massachusetts.

  So, if you think the presentation in HUNTER of criminals, outrages in the legal system, and horrors inflicted on victims is in any way exaggerated, I will only say: I wish.

  I hope that HUNTER helps to bring public attention to this enduring, despicable state of affairs, and to bring to crime victims a measure of the justice owed to them by our legal system.

  The criminal justice system was one of the two major settings for the novel. The other was the shadow world of the CIA and intelligence agencies—a setting I know far less about, none of it from personal experience. Here, I make fewer claims for authenticity. But I wasn’t striving for journalistic accuracy: I was hoping only to create fictional persuasiveness.

  Still, I’m delighted that several professionals in the intelligence community—some of whom offered input during my research and editing—assure me that my rendition of the activities, skills, and methods of spymasters, NOCs, CIA paramilitary teams, and even Dylan Hunter himself seem plausible. Two intelligence veterans from two different agencies thought that Matt Malone’s imaginative method of acquiring his many aliases appeared to be possible. Regarding the details of spycraft—and the problems within the CIA—I relied heavily on published sources, including books by former Agency case officers.

  While many of the locations in HUNTER actually exist, I’ve treated
them creatively, oftentimes making up details to enhance the story. For example, I hope that no reader makes a pilgrimage to Linden, Virginia, and pesters the good residents there. I assure you that the “government road,” the “CIA safe house,” and the sniper location are all complete fabrications. The same goes for the romantic inn where Dylan and Annie launch their relationship: It’s a composite, borrowed from several places, and with invented ambiance.

  As for other aspects of the story and characters, I’ll address them in time on my blog, “The Vigilante Author”: www.bidinotto.com

  Writing this, my first novel, has been a lifelong dream. The enthusiastic advance response to HUNTER has been better than I had dared to anticipate. I’m grateful to you for welcoming my fictional avatar into your homes, and, I hope, into your hearts.

  Acknowledgments

  If you’re tempted to skip this section—please don’t. Allow me to introduce you to this book’s legion of uncredited co-authors.

  HUNTER was graced by input and inspiration from many people—some of whom don’t yet even know it. It’s time that they did.

  Let me begin with the thriller authors who, over the decades, helped to fuel my imagination and fashion my values. As a young man, I was captivated by the tales from seminal action writers Alistair MacLean, Desmond Bagley, Donald Hamilton, and Mickey Spillane. A long list of others contributed to my understanding of thriller-writing, but I’ll limit this accounting to some best-selling authors with whom I’ve had personal interactions.

  Foremost among them, let me single out Brad Thor. Not only is Brad a first-rate thriller writer; he is also a gentleman of profound convictions, intellectual depth, personal charm, and enormous generosity of spirit. His quiet, unsung gifts of time, counsel, and personal donations to worthy causes proves that good guys finish first.

  The same can be said of Vince Flynn, another great American patriot, great writer, and great human being. I was privileged to interview him for a magazine article some years back, and Vince’s life story is an inspiration to any author facing formidable personal challenges.

  Thriller master Lee Child also graciously gave me a full afternoon of his valuable time—while on deadline, no less—for a long magazine interview in 2007. His keen intelligence, delightfully dry wit, and sage advice made the occasion memorable. But I thank him most of all for creating the iconic action hero Jack Reacher.

  Over a year ago, I ran into another legendary thriller writer at a book signing in Annapolis: Stephen Hunter. I am in awe of this man’s writing ability: He simply has no authorial weaknesses. His “Bob Lee Swagger” has become another fiction icon. I paid homage to Mr. Hunter and his sniper hero in the pages of this novel, in some pretty obvious ways.

  But that applies to the others I’ve just mentioned—in case you didn’t notice (check out Matt Malone’s aliases). I trust that none of them objects to my none-too-subtle tributes. I also treasure the fact that they inscribed their own books to me with admonitions to finish mine. As Stephen Hunter elegantly put it: “Robert—Finish your goddamned novel.” Yes, sir.

  Then there’s the mistress of spy thrillers, Gayle Lynds, whom I met at a writers’ conference. Not only did Gayle boost my morale, she also introduced me to a CIA source that proved hugely helpful. Thank-yous also go to wonderful thriller writers Mark Greaney and Neil Russell, both of whom contributed kind words and the stellar examples of their own work.

  If you aren’t yet reading these authors, you don’t know what you’re missing.

  Many other people deserve kudos for anything that’s good in this novel.

  My great appreciation to Alan C. More, who managed to walk me through the seventh floor at Langley—metaphorically speaking—without revealing a single national-security secret, while providing the kind of descriptive detail that every thriller author cherishes. Also, my gratitude to a couple of buddies at intelligence agencies that will go nameless, for their input, advice, corrections, and reassurance that I haven’t totally misrepresented the spy biz.

  To Sally Torbert, who spent an afternoon years ago vividly re-creating for me the Princeton campus and its atmosphere, thereby helping Matt Malone get an Ivy League education and wander into the campus bar where he was recruited into the CIA. America thanks you, Sally.

  To the late philosopher and novelist Ayn Rand, for having been the most profound influence on my philosophy, values, and literary preferences. Some may even see a wee bit of her own fictional vigilante, Ragnar Danneskjöld. in Dylan Hunter.

  To the individuals who inspired and educated me about taking the “indie” route to publish this book: self-publishing gurus Joe Konrath, Robin Sullivan, and Dean Wesley Smith. Special thanks to Robin and her talented author-husband, Michael J. Sullivan, for their personal advice and encouragement.

  To graphic designer Allen Chiu for a fantastic book cover and header for my fiction blog. If you need a great graphic designer, contact Allen at: pealwah@hotmail.com. And to Joshua Zader of Atlas Web Development (http://www.atlaswebdev.com/), who designed the blog to my own quirky requirements.

  To Nick Ambrose at www.everything-indie.com, for formatting and designing the interior for this book and ebook. And to Rick Hogan, a first-rate artist and designer, for his gracious support and generous encouragement.

  Howard Dickman, now of the editorial staff at the Wall Street Journal, gave me my first break as a writer by bringing me into the pages of Reader’s Digest. Then, as my editor, he shepherded all my articles through the editorial minefields to publication. Eternal gratitude unto you, Howard.

  Kudos, too, to the designers of the amazing creative-writing software package I used, “WriteItNow.” It proved to be indispensable. (www.ravensheadservices.com)

  Then there are the folks who saved my butt during the editing of this book: my “beta” readers. Their wisdom, input, and critical reading of various versions of the manuscript have spared me endless embarrassments. Some volunteered their time despite difficult personal circumstances. There’s not enough space to detail their individual contributions, so just let me list their names here: Shawn Reynolds, Larry Abrams, Frank Schulwolf, Rose Robbins Schild, Jeanette Traeg, Mark Gardner, Sean Killian, Gregory Wall, Karen O’Shea, Gabrielle Suglia, Francisco Villalobos, and Robert L. Jones. Friends, there’s no way to thank you enough.

  Finally, to family and friends who have encouraged and endured me over the years:

  To the Slate family and their spouses, for their love and support: Don and Barbara; Steve and Janice; Candy and Ray; Shelley and Steve; Mike and Jan; Pete and Melissa; and all their kids. Thanks for welcoming this congenital loner into your tribe.

  To my old pal Don Heath, a great friend when I needed one, and just as valuable a “beta reader.” Thanks forever, Don. And to Margaret Bidinotto, for all the things too personal to mention here. I’m grateful, Margaret.

  To Chris Doffing, who wanted me to write more books, and who assisted me generously on another book project—thank you, Chris.

  To my dear, long-time friends Henry Scuoteguazza and Claudia Leone. Given your recent personal circumstances, I’m deeply moved that you took out time to read the novel in advance and give me your kind verdicts. You’re the best. Hugs to you both.

  To another college buddy, Steve Lord, and his lovely wife Cindy. Steve has been a cheerleader to me, and much more, throughout my adult life. Well, I finally did it, my friend.

  To my closest confidant, Alan Paul. In my worst, most isolated moments, you’ve been there to toss a lifeline. In my happiest, most joyous moments, you’ve been there to celebrate with me. I’m grateful for every moment of our friendship, Alan. I don’t know what my life would have been without you, but it surely would have been a lesser life.

  To my late parents, who wanted better opportunities for me than they’d had for themselves—and who struggled to make sure I got them: my loving memories.

  And to Luna. Yep, she’s real, folks. I’ll post a photo on the blog.

  No man could boast a finer
brother than mine. A lifetime of love goes across the miles to Colorado, and to Ed Bidinotto. We’ve come a long way, you and I, haven’t we? Congratulations on your own recent book, and I hope you enjoy this one. And love to your fiancée, Connie.

  No man could boast a better daughter than the one I’ve got, either. Katrina, dear, I’ll never be able to fully express just how proud I am of you. I love you and wish you and Jason every happiness—wishes I also extend to my granddaughter, Doria, and to the new baby on its way. (I can’t wait!)

  Finally, to the most important person in my life: the woman who made this book possible.

  I’ve dedicated HUNTER to one named person, my wife Cynthia. At a time of turmoil in both our lives—a period when most wives would have been pushing their husbands to chase the phantom of “financial security”—Cynthia stood behind me and pushed me to go for my dreams, instead. It was an act of love, of respect, of trust, and of remarkable bravery.