Special thanks to India Cooper, Tammi Fredrickson, Keith Kahla, Alice Pfeifer, Alison J. Picard, and Renée Valois for all their assistance in writing this novel.
I am especially grateful to Lisa Nicholson, the creator, founder, manager, and chief bottle-washer of Calavo Salsa Lisa, for her kindness and generosity, for telling me her remarkable story, for allowing me to tour her facilities, and for introducing me to the tastiest salsa I’ve ever had. I promise you that Lisa bears little resemblance to the character in the book, although she could pass for a femme fatale anytime she wants.