Loving thanks to Carol Jackson, the first and most frequent reader of this novel in manuscript. Her suggestions have helped me write a better book. For outstanding professional advice, I am indebted to Lesley Mann and Robert Ward. Photographer Elspeth Wood kindly advised me regarding the chemicals of her art. And RendezVous Press has once again been a pleasure to work with. To publisher Sylvia McConnell, editor Allister Thompson and marketing manager Adria Iwasutiak—merci.