ALSO BY CATHERINE COULTER
THE FBI THRILLERS
Split Second (2011)
Twice Dead: Riptide and Hemlock Bay (2011)
Whiplash (2010)
KnockOut (2009)
TailSpin (2008)
Double Jeopardy: The Target and The Edge (2008)
Double Take (2007)
The Beginning: The Cove and The Maze (2005)
Point Blank (2005)
Blowout (2004)
Blindside (2003)
Eleventh Hour (2002)
Hemlock Bay (2001)
Riptide (2000)
The Edge (1999)
The Target (1998)
The Maze (1997)
The Cove (1996)
BACKFIRE
CATHERINE COULTER
Copyright © 2012 by Catherine Coulter
All rights reserved.
To my splendid other half, Anton, with your sharp brain and, thankfully, ultimate knowledge of all things medical
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank the following consummate professionals for their infinite kindness and patience in making Backfire richer, and, super-important, accurate. Thank you all so very much for coming into my life. I worship at your feet.
Let me add that if there are any factual goofs in the book, it’s my fault. I mean, I’d like to blame someone else, but alas, it’s on my head.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Dave Key—your experiences and exploits are amazing. Perhaps even more amazing is that you’re still alive and smiling and ready to take on more.
Marshal Donald O’Keefe, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Marshals Service, Northern District of California—El Jefe, your willingness to provide me with everything I needed is appreciated.
Chief Judge James Ware, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California —you are thoughtful, eloquent, and you answered every one of my crazy questions, and even some I hadn’t thought of.
Ms. Uyen Trinh, judicial assistant for Chief Judge James Ware—you are the great facilitator. I appreciate all your assistance and your wonderful enthusiasm for my books.
Lieutenant Donald Wick, Marin County Sheriff Department—I was told you were The Man, and I find I must agree. You added richness and verisimilitude to the Marin County scenes.
Ms. Angela Bell, FBI Office of Public Affairs, Hoover Building, Washington, D.C.— thank you for your plot-saving idea to get the letter into the lobby of the Hoover Building without breaking any rules, and for telling me the CAU moved to the third floor.
Mr. Alexander DeAngelis, director, China Office, National Science Foundation—I’m not just saying this because you’re my brother-in-law. Your brain and succinct insights are a pleasure to behold. Thank you for providing me accuracy in all things Chinese.
Contents
COVER
ALSO BY CATHERINE COULTER
TITLE PAGE
COPYRIGHT
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
