Dudley Delffs (editor and friend)—for trusting me with the idea.
Mick Silva, Shannon Hill, and Carol Bartley (editors)—for making this story so much better.
Carolyn Rose, Cassie, and Jackie Wilson (wife and daughters)—for bringing joy into my daily routine, along with lots of hugs and kisses.
Heidi Messner (my sister) and family—for being examples in so many ways.
Shaun Wilson (my brother) and family—for being faithful friends through the years.
Jamie White and Louis Harrison (friends and neighbors)—for traveling with us on this artistic path.
Sean Savacool (friend and writer)—for friendship and inspiration as a member of the Tennessee Inklings … a.k.a. the Tinklings.
Sergeant Joseph Perrigoue and Specialist Holly Perrigoue (friends)—for going the extra mile to help us do the same.
Cherilyn Washington, Stephen Vail, and Roosevelt Burrell (management team at FedEx Kinko’s)—for flexibility with my schedule as deadlines loomed.
Davin Bartosch (friend and co-worker)—for brisket and unforgettable Belgian Triple.
Valerie Harrell (friend and co-worker)—for laughs at work and creative sparks.
My fellow members of Sta Akra (a group of novelists)—for forums, e-mails, ARCs, and much-needed encouragement.
River Jordan, Brian Reaves, Matt Bronlewee, Vernon Buford, Venessa Ng, Karri Compton, and many others (fellow writers)—for lifting me up with your words.
Ian Monaghan (brother-in-law)—for ballistics information and ideas.
John McClendon (hiking friend)—for that first visit to the Lewis monument.
Gary and Joni Morgan (pastors) and Mosaic Nashville—for a place to follow the threads of God’s design.
Nashville Public Library (Edmondson and Main branches)—for places to study, daydream, and write.
Flyleaf, P.O.D., White Stripes, U2, Plumb, Underoath, As I Lay Dying, Audioslave, and Day of Fire (musical artists)—for sonic energy in the late-night hours.
Readers everywhere (the ones holding this book)—for taking time to read my work.