Shadows of Deceit (A Series of Shadows) (58 page)

For now, Max was more than content. As his thumb brushed back and fourth against Lou’s skin, their fingers still entwined, he breathed in the pristine Spring air and marveled at how happy he was at that very moment. Lou smiling back at him, the puppies romping in his lap, this surely was the happiest he had been in as long as he could remember. Everything else in the universe could simply wait.

As always I must thank the brave men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for their brave service and infinite patience. It is not easy being an officer in Los Angeles these days and I commend each and every one of you for your dedication and commitment.

Special thanks to Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms for the tireless work they do around the clock to keep us safe. In researching this book I learned so much and cannot even fathom the difficulties these agencies encounter on a daily basis protecting us, blissfully ignorant citizens.

To my friends and family, Shelley and my mother in particular, thank you for dealing with my organized chaos and humoring my special kind of insanity day in and day out. There was never a truer or more applicable quote...

“
The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.”

- Richard Bach, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah