End of Enemies

Acknowledgments

While writing is by nature a solitary endeavor, no book comes fully to life without help from others.

My heartfelt thanks to the following people:

My parents, Robert Perry Blackwood and Kathryn Irene Blackwood. Without them none of this would be possible.

My sister, Roberta, for being first to say, “You know, you should be a…” and for her unconditional love and support.

Julie, for being the woman I thought I would never find, but did. I’m so glad you’re in my life. Dick and Jackie Robinson for taking me into their lives and hearts. You’ve helped make me a better person.

All my friends who never doubted. It’s been said that a true friend celebrates your successes as heartily as they do their own.

Nancy Beckes and Elizabeth Katzman, for their compassion and perspective.

Clive Cussler, whose novels helped create the spark.

And finally, to the people who were instrumental in making this long-held dream come true:

Jonathon Lazear, Christi Cardenas (for her saintly patience, humor, and unwavering optimism), Neil Ross, and all the folks at The Lazear Agency, who worked so hard on my behalf. You were worth the wait. I’m glad you’re on my team!

To Pam Ahearn of the The Ahearn Agency and Dan Conaway and the team at Writers House Literary Agency. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Tom Colgan, my editor at Penguin Putnam Inc./Berkley. You, too, were worth the wait. A finer editorial deity does not exist.

Thanks also to all the folks at Penguin Putnam Inc./Berkley who helped make this book the best it can be — from the copyeditors, to the typesetters, to the art department, and everyone in between.

To the gang at Diversion Books. New partners, new horizons.

To Asha of Asha Hossein Design for her fantastic cover art. You’re a pro, Asha.