Football coach Ara Parseghian said: “A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are.” I would be remiss if I did not first thank my editor, Charlotte Herscher, who not only showed me the potential of this story but let me find my own path to The End .

Kevin Brennan, associate wildlife biologist for the California Department of Fish and Game, provided me with a wealth of information about and practical experience with peregrine falcons and the responsibilities of wildlife biologists. And he called his birds by their radio frequency, not by a nickname.

Once again, Wally Lind at Crime Scene Writers was instrumental in providing facts about forensic investigations, particularly firearms and how biological evidence becomes corrupted. If I got anything wrong, it is certainly not because of him.

In addition to being understanding about my bizarre working hours, my husband, Dan, also explained (multiple times) just how a car engine works and how to clog the fuel filter. If I misunderstood the process, it’s due to my own mental block regarding anything mechanical.

A former student at MSU-Bozeman, Dan also helped bring Gallatin County alive for me, through his memories and pictures.

Thanks also to my first readers, Kathia, Michele, Jan, Amy, and Sharon; my speed readers, Karin and Edie, who went above and beyond to help me whip this book into shape; and of course my children, who are beginning to not like pizza as much as they used to.