I’d like to thank Joan Hess for the many mutual plot sessions over a semi-friendly game of backgammon; my long-time reader and even longer-time daughter, Evin Cooper; my stalwart agent, Vicky Bijur, for her input and support; my editor, Sara Porter, for her advice and counsel, and a special thank you to Jan Grape, long-time reader and friend, who invited me to swim with the dolphins.