To my agent, Beth Jusino, who believed in this manuscript, and to my editors, Rachelle Gardner, who sharpened my vision, and Darla Hightower, who polished my words. To Emily Locke, my first reader, who read this manuscript by installments when she should have been studying. To Mick Silva for his enthusiasm when all doors seemed shut and locked. And to my WriteHands comrades-in-pen-Lisa Crayton, Ginger Garrett, and Sue Lang.