Acknowledgments

Books dealing with true events do not come into being solely through the efforts of the authors, but are the result of the active assistance and cooperation of many people. This is especially true when the primary subject of the book was so peripatetic, who crisscrossed the country and repeatedly settled in one state and then another.

Some of the individuals and organizations the author wishes to thank for assistance in tracking Jill Billiot-Coit around the country and unraveling her story include:

In New Orleans: Jeannine Macaluso and Irvin L. Magri, Jr.

In Houston: Ed Wendt of Texas Media Services; and B. B. McCurdy.

In Indiana: Carl V. Steely; Worth Weller of The News-Journal in North Manchester; and a number of friendly folks in North Manchester, Plymouth, and Culver who shared personal recollections with me and helped dig through dozens of documents and files.

In Steamboat Springs: The helpful staff at the Steamboat Pilot and Steamboat Today, especially reporter Joanna Dodder; staff at the Routt County Courthouse; and the waitresses, clerks, shoppers, and others who willingly shared experiences and stories with me.

My special thanks to the Reverend and Mrs. Charles Coit of Orange Park, Florida, who were so helpful in passing on recollections of their brother and brother-in-law, William Clark Coit, Jr.

Finally, thanks go to my editor at St. Martin’s Press, Charles Spicer, and to my agent, Tony Seidl of T. D. Media, for their encouragement and support.