Agent of Chaos (The X-Files: Origins #1)(67)
“Ressler seemed impressed. He was surprised the kid pieced the case together on his own.”
The Smoking Man rolled the cigarette between his fingers. “You followed Fox Mulder around for the past few days. How did he figure all this out?”
X sat with the question for a moment. “He definitely has good instincts. And he never discounted anyone without giving the person a chance. He even listened to Major Winchester.”
“Fox Mulder is willing to believe.”
The Cigarette Smoking Man kept staring at the building.
He took another drag. “Belief has its uses.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Jonathan Maberry, my friend and fellow author: For coming up with the crazy idea to write about Fox Mulder as a teen, and for never abandoning it. If you hadn’t talked me into writing the short story “Black Hole Son” about sixteen-year-old Fox Mulder for your anthology this book wouldn’t exist. And no one else could’ve written Dana Scully’s origin story. You’re the real Agent of Chaos.
Jodi Reamer, my literary agent and the best in the business: For encouraging me to follow my crazy ideas down rabbit holes and helping me find my way out when I get lost.
Erin Stein, my publisher and editor at Imprint: For scoring me this gig and spending three days at my house outlining Mulder’s story with me. But most of all, for letting me take risks in my novels.
Joshua Izzo and Nicole Spiegel at Twentieth Century Fox: For your excitement and support, and for helping us get this done so fast; and to the Team at IDW: for the amazing stories they’re telling in the world of The X-Files Origins.
Chris Carter, creator of The X-Files: For creating Fox Mulder, one of the coolest and most iconic characters in television history, and for allowing me to write his origin story.
David Duchovny, the actor who brought Fox Mulder to life: For making us all Believe so completely.
Ellen Duda, senior designer at Imprint: For creating gorgeous cover art that captures the heart of the novel.
The “Believers” at Imprint: Natalie Sousa, Rhoda Belleza, and Nicole Otto. And to all the “Believers” at Macmillan: Jon Yaged, Angus Killick, Allison Verost, Molly Brouillette Ellis, Kelsey Marrujo, Lucy Del Priore, Kathryn Little, Johanna Kirby, Mariel Dawson, Robert Brown, Jeremy Ross, Caitlin Crocker, Grace Rosean, Jennifer Gonzalez and her incredible sales team, John Nora, Alexei Esikoff, and the eagle eyes of Valerie Shea and Christine Ma.
Writers House, my literary agency: For representing me and my literary works, with special thanks to Cecilia de la Campa and Alec Shane.
Dr. Thomas Sixbey, MD, and Dr. Edward Kurz, MD: For your unparalleled professional expertise regarding serial killers, the criminal mind, the FBI, and the BS. I can’t thank you enough for spending hours answering my questions and texts. You are the coolest psychiatrists I’ve ever met, and this book would not be the same without you.
Lauren Oliver, my friend and fellow author: For knowing even more about serial killers than I do and for coming up with what shall forever be referred to as “the blood solution.”
Sarah Weiss-Simpson, my assistant: For organizing my life so I have time to write. I couldn’t make it through the day without you.
Chloe Palka, my social media manager: For your expertise, creativity, and ability to read my handwriting. You deserve your own X-File.
Erin Gross, Yvette Vasquez, and Ursula Uriarte, my friends and three of the smartest women I know: For your brilliance, patience, and friendship.
Benjamin Alderson, Caden Armstrong, Katie Bartow, Yvette Cervera, Bri Daniel, Andye Eppes, Jen Fisher, Vilma Gonzalez, Kristen Goodwin, Erin Gross, Sara Gundell, Ruthie Heard, Mara Jacobi, Taylor Knight, Hikari Loftus, Caden Sage, Evie Seo, Tracey Spiteri, Amber Sweeney, Natasha Tomic, Ursula Uriarte, Lauren Ward, Jenny Zemanek, and Heidi Zweifel—For being “Reckless” and offering me your insight, creativity, and support. I can’t thank you enough or express how much it means to me.
Vania Stoyanova, my friend and photographer: For making me look cool in my author photo.
Lorissa Shepstone of Being Wicked, my graphic designer: For designing stunning graphics and swag, with little or no notice.
Eric Harbert and Nick Montano: For watching my back and being the best at what you do.
Alan Weinberger, my rheumatologist: For making sure I don’t fall apart.
Librarians, teachers, booksellers, bloggers, bookstgrammers, booktubers, and my readers: For sticking with me when I venture into new territory, connecting with my characters, and spreading the word about The X-Files Origins novels and all my books. You are my tribe.
Mom, Dad, Celeste, John, Derek, Hannah, Hans, Alex, Sara, Erin, Temple, Ryley, and Sawyer, my parents, stepparents, siblings, sister-in-laws, nephew, and nieces: for your support and encouragement. I love you all.
Alex, Nick, and Stella: For believing in me, even when I don’t believe in myself. I love you.