BAD DEEDS: A Dylan Hunter Thriller (Dylan Hunter Thrillers)

by Robert Bidinotto

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  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  This book relied so heavily on the assistance of others that it is really a team effort. That my name is alone on the cover is an injustice. In fairness, dozens of remarkable people played decisive roles in producing it. So while this list is long, I want their contributions to be on record.

  When I published HUNTER, I said that my “beta readers”—the volunteers who generously read, critiqued, and corrected the manuscript before publication—“saved my butt.” They caught innumerable errors, typos, and problems that my tired eyes missed.

  This time, though, they really saved my butt. In my haste to finish this long-delayed novel, I was even less cautious than last time. The goofs and glitches were legion. Worse were the plot holes, logical contradictions, and physical impossibilities scattered throughout the text. I utterly cringe when I contemplate what would have happened to my reputation—and to your enjoyment—without the extraordinary feedback and input provided by the following friends, listed in alphabetical order:

  Larry Abrams, Charity Ayres, Jon Barnhart, Kathy Barnhart, Pramod Challa, William and Tamra Dale, Roger Donway, Anne Foss, Greg Gerig, Samantha Hallock, Abigail Hand, Donald Heath, Robert Jones, Claudia Leone, Steve Lord, Kevin Ormsby, Karen O’Shea, Eric Palfreyman, Alan Paul, Jeff and Aydé Perren, Kevin Pickell, Shawn Reynolds, Rose Robbins Schild, Henry Scuoteguazza, Gabrielle Suglia, Jan Traeg, Francisco Villalobos, Gregory Wall, and Kyrel Zantonavitch.

  Many of these beta readers sent me multiple emails and pages of notes and comments. Their generosity with their time (on my very tight deadline), their many insights, and their brilliant suggestions improved this novel immeasurably. I can never thank these amazing and talented friends enough.

  In addition to the beta readers, I relied upon other people for their technical expertise on specific aspects of the story:

  Barry Donadio, president of Public Security LLC (http://www.publicsecurity.us) provided insights about security measures. You’ll find “Barry” and his company mentioned in several scenes at Senator Ashton Conn’s home.

  Sheila Stephens gave me pointers on covert cameras and other spy gadgets. Hans Schantz provided an education about electronic jamming devices.

  In addition to being a beta reader, Jon Barnhart schooled me in the explosive properties of a variety of chemicals, which made Zak Boggs far more lethal.

  Firearms experts Jack Patterson and Mark Gardner helped me maintain the public fraud that I actually know something about rifles and handguns. The credibility of the Prologue sniper scene owes much to their input.

  Likewise, my good friend Francisco Villalobos—a martial arts expert and trainer, as well as a personal fitness instructor (http://www.isfny.com)—helped me choreograph Dylan’s fight scene in the CarboNot garage, so that he would actually win rather than be pummeled senseless. (Francisco also served as a beta reader.)

  Besides being my closest buddy, Alan Paul is a techie’s techie—an expert in computer hardware, software, and all manner of electronic communications. Dylan’s ambitious electronic warfare against the various conspirators owes everything to Alan’s input and suggestions. If you find anything wrong in those scenes, it’s only because I didn’t understand him or take good notes. (Alan, too, served as a beta reader.)

  When Dylan and Annie had to take wing, I needed first-rate experts in aviation, aircraft, and air traffic control procedures. I found the best:

  Lieutenant Colonel Steven Todd, an Air Cavalry Ops Officer, is a peerless expert in all manner of aircraft—but especially helicopters, like the Blackhawk, which he has piloted in defense of our nation on many missions. He provided exhaustive information and suggestions that led to my choice of the helicopter that transported Annie to Adair’s house, as well detailed aviation procedures.

  Talented thriller author Allan Leverone has a day job as a veteran air traffic controller. Along with LTC Steve Todd, Allan was indispensable in explaining how Dylan could fly out of Bay Bridge Airport and avoid radar tracking records or tower communications. He also helped me to whittle down the options in selecting Dylan’s Cessna 400 as his private plane, and the Bell 429 as Annie’s chopper. From radar to transponders, cruising altitudes to aerial maneuvers, runway lengths to tower communications, Allan and Steve had my back. (By the way, I urge you to check out Allan’s top-shelf thrillers here: http://www.allanleverone.com)

  Another big requirement for the climax of the story was the selection and use of the right Unmanned Aircraft System to monitor communications and keep “eyes” on the heroes and villains outside of Dan Adair’s house. Steve Todd put me in touch with CW4 Ricky Tackett. He’s another expert on all kinds of aircraft, but his specialty is various unmanned aircraft, such as the MQ-1 Predator. Ricky explained all I needed to know about that remarkable bird, and persuaded Grant Garrett to deploy it on this sensitive mission.

  If the climactic “aerial” scenes of BAD DEEDS ring with Clancy-like authenticity, you have these extraordinary gentlemen to thank. I certainly do.

  Let me also acknowledge Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, U.S. Army (Ret.), and director, Warrior Science Group (www.killology.com). He and I have never corresponded or met. But his essay “On Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs” (from his book On Combat) has become a widely quoted classic. It was so applicable that I just had to allude to it within the story. I’m pleased to credit it here with a specific reference.

  Among others whose contributions to the success of this book can’t be adequately measured is my awesome cover designer, Allen Chiu (http://allenchiu.com) His cover for HUNTER was outstanding. This one is simply sensational, don’t you think?

  Jason Anderson at Polgarus Studio (www.Polgarusstudio.com) deserves the credit for the formatting and layout of both the ebook and print editions of BAD DEEDS.

  Gratitude also goes to my web designer, Joshua Zader (www.atlaswebdev.com), for his superb work in designing and maintaining my blog, “The Vigilante Author” (www.bidinotto.com).

  And to Rob Walton, designer of the fantastic novel-writing software I have now used on both novels: “WriteItNow” (www.ravensheadservices.com).

  Thanks to entertainment attorney Kevin Koloff (http://www.kevinkoloff.com), for his ongoing efforts to bring Dylan Hunter to the silver screen.

  Then there are the Dylan Hunter fans who—at my instigation, for a little online contest I ran—suggested names for some of the villains in BAD DEEDS. A host of folks participated, but here are those whose suggestions I accepted, in whole or in part:

  Greg Gerig, Robert Jones, and Gabrielle Suglia (all three of whom are also beta readers), plus Jennifer Brooks Anderson, Shannon Farren, Richard Gleaves, Rob Hampton, Mary Harp, Terri Kiley, Angie Killian, Vinay Kolhatkar, Janet Landi, and Lisa Mize.

  The intensity of fan loyalty to Dylan, Annie, and the rest of the cast of HUNTER is remarkable. Many, many readers have recommended the book to others. I can’t possibly know, remember, or thank all those who have promoted it.

  But here, I want to single out a handful of special friends that I know have gone far above and beyond the call of friendship or “fandom.” These ladies have promoted HUNTER to countless others. I honestly don’t know what I’ve done to deserve their enthusiasm and loyalty; but a huge thank you goes to Pam Timony, Samantha Hallock, Janice Sidun, my cousins Janet Landi and Mary Beth McManus, and—last but certainly not least—to Sandra “Peaches�
� Hubbard from the Island Athletic Club.

  Special thanks to talented fellow authors who are never too busy to share tips, suggestions, and encouragement. Here are just a few:

  Stephen England (www.stephenwrites.com), a masterful writer of military and special operations thrillers.

  Rose Robbins Schild (www.roserobbinsonline.com), a prolific author of romantic suspense who writes under the name Rose Robbins.

  Edd Voss (http://eddvoss.com), my truck-driving pal and author of Western and sci-fi tales.

  Ian Graham (www.iangrahamthrillers.com), another author of gripping thrillers.

  Neil Russell (www.neil-russell.com), a film and television producer who also has launched a series featuring another exciting vigilante named Rail Black.

  Larry Abrams, whose debut mystery, The Philosophical Practitioner, is great fun.

  Robert McDermott (http://www.remcdermott.com), who writes rip-roaring nautical thrillers featuring a “part-time spook” named Tom Dugan.

  Steven Konkoly (www.stevenkonkoly.com), author of the popular “Black Flagged” thriller series.

  J.Carson Black (http://jcarsonblack.com), bestselling author of over a dozen thrillers.

  Michael J. Sullivan (http://riyria.blogspot.com), bestselling fantasy author and mentor to authors like me.

  Martin Crosbie (http://martincrosbie.com), the bestselling author of My Temporary Life and other stories.

  Kevin Pickell (http://kevinpickell.blogspot.com/), writer of “dark fiction.”

  Again, these are just a few of the many writer friends whom I could list. I’ll have to add another batch in the next book.

  My deep appreciation to some other folks who brighten my days in so many different ways:

  To Kay and the whole gang at Holly’s Restaurant—a place where everybody knows your name.

  To the crew at the Kent Island Dunkin’ Donuts, who have now kept me caffeinated and functional through two novels.

  To John Murphy and the staff of Island Athletic Club, whose facilities have no doubt staved off weight gains and heart attacks.

  To all of the many friends and fans at Kent Island United Methodist Church, CNB Bank, and Queen Anne’s Chorale, whose support has been simply phenomenal.

  To my friends Frank and Shelda Bond, Hank and Erika Holzer, Gene and Sally Holloway, Marty and Buena Silverman, the entire Slate clan, and the entire Bidinotto clan.

  To my brother Ed Bidinotto and my daughter Katrina and her family, who bring joy into my life. And to Margaret, who brought Kat into my life.

  And, finally, to my wife Cynthia. Cyn, you’ve endured great challenges over the past several years, not the least of which has been my woeful neglect during writing binges. Yet you have stood by me through it all, a source of constant encouragement and support. Sweetheart, now that this monkey is finally off my back, it’s time that I repay you with the attention you deserve.

  Let’s go have some fun, shall we?

  Table of Contents

  PROLOGUE

  PART I ONE

  TWO

  THREE

  FOUR

  FIVE

  SIX

  SEVEN

  EIGHT

  NINE

  TEN

  PART II ELEVEN

  TWELVE

  THIRTEEN

  FOURTEEN

  FIFTEEN

  SIXTEEN

  SEVENTEEN

  EIGHTEEN

  NINETEEN

  TWENTY

  TWENTY-ONE

  TWENTY-TWO

  TWENTY-THREE

  TWENTY-FOUR

  TWENTY-FIVE

  TWENTY-SIX

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  TWENTY-NINE

  THIRTY

  THIRTY-ONE

  THIRTY-TWO

  THIRTY-THREE

  THIRTY-FOUR

  THIRTY-FIVE

  PART III THIRTY-SIX

  THIRTY-SEVEN

  THIRTY-EIGHT

  THIRTY-NINE

  FORTY

  FORTY-ONE

  FORTY-TWO

  EPILOGUE

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS