Raging Heat

Of all places, spiked to the rotor tips of a motorized toy helicopter (!), were two pieces of scratch paper. The first mentions Terri Edda Miller “for keeping me aloft.” The other name appears to be Jennifer Allen and it’s printed on a sketch of a hot air balloon shaped like a heart.

In a file drawer, almost hidden under a pair of Slinky eyeglasses, I found a map of the Hamptons with some marginalia acknowledging the Southampton Town PD duty officer for “answering my dumb questions,” plus a brochure from the 1770 House in East Hampton with a reminder to thank the manager for the personal tour.

I thought that was that until I noticed the cabinet above his espresso maker was plastered by Post-its. I hope I have the order correct: “My stalwart agent, Sloan Harris; Executive Editor Laura Hopper [my boss]; Ace researcher, Christopher Soloway; Ellen Borakove, for ‘all things OCME’; John Parry, for ‘the Dutchess County GPS 411’; Clyde Phillips, for clearing writing space; Ken Levine, for blog shout outs and support.”

Apparently the author also wishes to acknowledge Lisa Schomas, ABC’s Castle franchise manager, as well as Melanie Braunstein of ABC, who so ably handles book promotion. This is because I found a note stuck in his blotter that reads: “Don’t forget to acknowledge Lisa Schomas, ABC’s Castle

franchise manager, as well as Melanie Braunstein of ABC, who so ably handles book promotion.” I’m not a mystery writer, but I do know a clue when I see one.

Although not what one would explicitly consider a note, the screen saver on Mr. Castle’s computer monitor consists of a pair of animated inkwells that drift to and fro. One bottle is branded “Andrew” and has a subscript: “Leader, visionary, creator, friend.” The other says “Tom,” with its ink label reading, “Always half-full.” Not notes per se, but I am including them, just in case the names mean anything.

One can only guess. And hope that one’s admittedly untrained (and perhaps, unwelcome?) search of Mr. Castle’s writing domain has brought forth all the editorial needs for these acknowledgments. If, in the interim, the author himself should — become available — the publisher shall, of course, stop the press run and allow him to revise.

May it please be thus.

Junior Editor, Name Withheld

New York City

May 12, 2014