TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE, I tender my warmest regards and sincerest gratitude:
My agent, Lindsay Ribar, and the team at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. You were worth the wait.
My editor, Betsy Wollheim, and everyone at DAW Books. I’m honored to be a part of the DAW family.
To my writer friends, who have offered invaluable advice, support, and feedback: Joyce Alton, Donald McFatridge, Diana Robicheaux, Carla Rehse, Christine Berman, Anthony Nicholas, and Angie Sandro.
My sister, Wendy Fortune, who is not only my number one fan, but also came up with the awesome math problem Michael attempts to solve in chapter fifteen.
And of course, my mom and dad. Nurture or nature, either way, I guess my writing talents and success are ultimately your fault!
Thank you all for making what was a very long and lonely road just a little less long and lonely.