<p>Vincent Berg worked in both Chicago and Manhattan, working as a consultant designing computer systems for financial institutions, so this story was a return trip, allowing him to capitalize on his in-depth knowledge of the city and the complex financial issues involved in the story.</p><p>More than this, the story allowed him to move away from his extensive science fiction background, and delve into some real-world relationship issues.</p><p>He was familiar with many of the story’s locations, though he had no real connection with the city management, and no run-ins with the law to speak of. But often working on wall street, and walking back and forth between assignments and his apartment on 18th street, he spent a lot of time around City Hall, One Police Plaza and the other areas the story addresses.</p>
