“Don’t lose her again.”
Gilchrist tightened his lips and watched Watt walk away. He waited until Watt’s car slipped behind a copse of trees before he turned to Jack. Watt’s words echoed in his mind.
Don’t lose her again.
It seemed such an odd thing for Watt to say. But the truth of the matter was that he had lost Maureen, he had lost both his children. He eyed the opposite end of the car park.
Jack stood with his backside against the boot of his car.
Gilchrist felt a smile tug his lips. No, he thought. I won’t lose her again. I won’t lose either of them again.
He pulled his collar up and strode towards his son.
Acknowledgments
WRITING IS INDEED a lonely affair, but this book could not have been published without the help of the following: Gayle Richardson and Kenny Cameron of Fife Constabulary for police procedure. Forensic pathologist Doctor Marjorie Black for keeping me straight on the gruesome stuff. Everyone at Strathkelvin Writers’ Group for continued support, despite my lengthy absence (I promise to return). Juliet Grames for terrific editorial input, and for taking a chance on publishing me. Bronwen Hruska, Rudy Martinez, Janine Agro, and Meredith Barnes of Soho Press for behind-the-scenes assistance. My literary agent, Al Zuckerman, for his sage advice and professional persistence. Other readers and friends, too many to mention, whose words of encouragement and support inspired me to continue. Many thanks to each and every one of you, especially Anne.
And finally, this book is fiction. Those readers familiar with St. Andrews and the East Neuk may notice that I have taken creative license with respect to local geography.
Any and all mistakes are mine.
T F Muir
Born in Glasgow and now a dual UK/US citizen, T. F. Muir is a crime novelist with five books of his DCI Andy Gilchrist series published – the first, Eye for an Eye, won the Pitlochry Award for the best crime novel by an unpublished writer. He is now working on his next Andy Gilchrist novel, another story suffused with dark alleyways, cobbled streets and all things gruesome. For more details visit www.frankmuir.com
