Dedication

To Gregg. Yep, another one. Deal with it: you’re stuck with me.

To Christa Soule, who makes me a better storyteller than I knew was possible. Since Aiden was a favorite, I sweat over each word, making him live up to your expectations. Hope I had some success.

To Carole L. Gonzales and the great folks at the Oconomowoc Public Library, friendly, helpful and expert staff who made me feel welcome in what, for many years, was my home away from home. Some of my best words were written there.

Thanks to SPC Boom for ordnance sound descriptions. Thanks to authors and brainstorming pros Edie Ramer, Leigh Morgan and Barbara M. Britton for their help with Sunny’s character. Thanks to CP Roxy Mews for taking the time from her own writing to read this in its early stages. Thanks to Leigh Morgan for her martial arts expertise, and the image of “clean and naked”.