Very special gracias to a team of experts who assisted in the research and story development:
Kelly Craig, Miami NBC-affiliate anchorwoman extraordinaire, who generously shared her life and profession with me, took me into her studio and opened doors that would otherwise have been locked. (And special thanks to Tammi Leader Fuller for making that happen.)
Robert Gonzalez, who gave me the insider’s tour of the Cuban-American male psyche and offered patient and rapid responses to my questions, always making me feel comfortable enough to ask uncomfortable questions. (And thanks to Cori Rice for letting me borrow one of her best employees.)
Ileana Portal, for not only providing in-depth information about the geography and landscape of Sunset Key, but for unknowingly offering inspiration from the moment I saw a true Latin beauty.
Barbara Ferrar, a talented writer who assisted with the language of love, and gave me months of bilingual laughs in the process.
Jason Trask, Assistant Chief Pilot of Northeast Helicopter, for the guidance in helicopter rescue techniques.
Gavin De Becker & Associates, experts in public figure protection and threat assessment, for a glimpse into the life of a bodyguard.
As always, my deepest gratitude to Micki Nuding, an editor who is unfailing with her praise and unflinching with her pencil. I’d be lost and overwritten without her.
And, most especially, love and appreciation to my husband and children who lose me every time I go traveling in my mind, and always take me back when I’ve finished the journey. I love you guys the most.