To my cousin Gabriel. In memory.
I wish to thank all those who contributed to bringing this book to reality, too numerous to mention here by name. I am particularly thankful to my agents, David Godwin Associates, for their encouragement and support, and my editor, Alane Salierno Mason, for her invaluable comments and suggestions.
To my wife Susan and the kids, thanks for putting up with me and seeing me through those dark and broody moments of writing.