My braither (sic), Doug, for that long-ago copy of Bird by Bird with the sweet inscription, for being the funniest email writer on the planet, and for all of the emergency technical rescues.
My comrade in book writing, Christopher Kelly, for dreaming and wallowing with me at B.J.’s and for making me think harder than I would without him.
All of my friends and relatives who made such a special point to encourage me along the path of this book. You know who you are.
T. D. Taylor, hitting coach, “head” doctor, and father extraordinaire, for telling me to “just drill one” and for being a living example of how an adult should encourage children. Maddie is for you and Daimian.
Mark Labbe, for teaching me a thing or two about guns over a barbecue sandwich, and the folks at the Fly Without Wings Equine Center in Sunset, Texas.
A stranger, Nan Worthington, for performing a timely act of CPR on me at age twenty-seven, and Drs. Michael Lehmann, John Seger, and Jay Franklin for their brilliance and kindness.
Sue Jean Cocanougher, my second mom. I hope you are reading this up there.
And, finally, the real Tommie McLeod, my dear friend, a deeply Southern girl with wicked aim, beautiful hair, and a love and dedication to family that is unparalleled. The rest of her role in this book is fiction. Real Tommie prefers Scotch.
JULIA S. HEABERLIN
JULIA S. HEABERLIN is an award-winning journalist who has worked at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Detroit News, and The Dallas Morning News. She grew up in Texas and lives near Dallas/Fort Worth with her husband and son. She is currently at work on her next thriller, Lie Still.
