Where Mercy Is Shown, Mercy Is Given - Duane Dog Chapman [116]
The Chapmans are like a pack of wolves. We want to be bondsmen and bounty hunters. We chase human beings for a living. That is what we do, who we are, and all we want to be.
Because I’m the leader of the pack, my children are reflections of the way I am. If we go home without a capture, everyone is pretty down about it. When we walk through the front door after a long day and night of bounty hunting, we’re annoyed, hungry, tired, and pissed off we didn’t get our jump. The first thing Bonnie Jo and Gary Boy ask is if we caught the bad guy. When I tell them no, they get sad too. But when we capture the fugitive, we’re like the Waltons. There are hugs, high fives, and “I love you’s” all the way around. Beth starts singing “Hallelujah” and we’re all bonded as one chord. So if any of us were ever to walk away from our show, there’s no doubt what we’d do with our lives. It’s in our blood.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I must first thank my wife, Beth, for all of the time, effort, insight, and intelligence she offered to this book. Without you, I would never be able to accomplish the things I do every day as a husband, father, businessman, and leader. I love you for all you do to protect me and for helping make all of my dreams come true.
Next, I want to thank my fans. Your never-ending support and understanding keeps me going, especially when times are tough. I commit to being a better role model so that my actions inspire each of you to lead with pride in your own lives.
I want to thank my family at A&E for sticking with me. They knew my heart even though they were sometimes offended by my words. I need to give a special thank you to Nancy Dubuc. Nancy, you gave me life at the network. I know I must have offended you with my carelessness or, worse, embarrassed you. I am truly sorry. I owe you so much and will do my best to never let you down again.
And to Doug Jacobs, who has been a great champion of mine throughout our years working together on my never-ending legal entanglements. I will always remain grateful to you for giving me the green light to make some hard decisions and then sticking by me when I pulled the trigger.
I need to thank my legal team, who finally put an end to the Luster case and gave me back my freedom. James Quadra, Alberto Zinser, Eduardo Amerena, and Brook Hart. Jim, you took the reins and led our team to victory with the authority and mastery we needed. Alberto and Eduardo, you handled the situation in Mexico with grace and finesse. My only regret is not meeting the three of you sooner! Brook, your precedent-setting legal maneuvers freed me from jail. I’m forever grateful.
To Bob DiBietta and Rob Sharenow, for your support and for standing up for us and doing all you can to help us through the tough times. We know you are our strongest supporters through the toughest times.
I want to thank my manager and literary agent, Alan Nevins. Alan stayed when most managers would have fled. Thank you for having enough respect for me to ask the hard questions. I knew for sure that you understood how I felt in my heart. You’ve put countless hours of your own blood, sweat, and tears into helping me shape my career and making the right choices along the way. Don’t think for a moment that I don’t know what you give up to be there for me. I will be forever appreciative of the day you stepped into my life and for remaining a large part of my success.
Anthony Mattero at Renaissance. You are an important and valuable member of our team. There are simply no words to thank you enough for everything you do on a daily basis for me.
Thank you to my co-author, Laura Morton, for coming on board for our second book together. You once again captured my voice in a way that garners my utmost respect. Your patience, understanding, and commitment mean the world to me.
Adam Mitchell. You make the process enjoyable for all of us.
I want to thank my family at Hyperion, starting with my publisher, Ellen Archer, who didn’t flinch at the idea of a second book when she took over. Thank you also to my wonderfully patient editor, Brendan