First, to Richard Pine and Michael Carlisle, for e-mailing to ask if I knew the meaning of the word shibumi, and for all their enthusiasm, counsel, and support; to Alexandra Whitaker, for her gracious cooperation and generosity; to Graham Greene, for writing the great Saigon novel; to Howard R. Simpson, whose Tiger in the Barbed Wire was essential reading; to Mitch Hoffman for being such a kind, patient, and perceptive editor.
Most of all, of course, to Rodney William Whitaker, a.k.a. Trevanian – I hope I did you proud, sir.