John Lescroart
Guilt
The second book in the Abe Glitsky series, 1996
To Al Giannini, Don Matheson and – always – to Lisa
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am not a lawyer and never attended law school. Over the years, a lot of great human beings in this most vilified profession have contributed to the tone and verisimilitude of my books. For their help with this book, thanks to Peter J. Diedrich and Jim Costello.
Other valuable technical advice came from Peter S. Dietrich, M.D., M.P.H.; Dr Boyd Stevens – San Francisco's coroner; Dianne Kubancik, R.N.; Bonnie Harmon, R.N.; Dr Mark and Kathryn Detzer; Dr Chris and Michelle Landon; Father Dan Looney. Bill Mitchell, Communications Director of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, was kind enough to show me the Chancery Office and expose me to a great deal of interesting arcana about the Catholic Church.
For their personal support, the usual suspects – Karen Kijewski, William P. Wood, Richard and Sheila Herman – have been there with unfailing goodwill, advice, and generosity of spirit. Max Byrd is a terrific writer who's passed on some terrific advice. Also thanks to my brother Emmett for his faith; to Robert Boulware for post-game head straightening; to Jackie Cantor for everything; and to Andy Jalakas, a true believer. Finally, I'd like to thank my agent, Barney Karpfinger, for helping to make the dream a reality.
We do not see things as they are; We see things as we are.
Talmud
Part One
CHAPTER ONE
Mark Dooher couldn't take his eyes off the young woman who had just entered the dining room at Fior d' Italia and was being seated, facing them, at a table ten feet away.