The Arrivals

Acknowledgments

My sincere gratitude goes to the following people without whom this book would be nothing more than incoherent scrawls scattered throughout various notebooks and on the backs of receipts:

Liate Stehlik, Kate Nintzel, Seale Ballenger, Jean Marie Kelly, Brianne Halverson, and Shawn Nicholls astounded me with stellar support for Graveminder as I was writing this book. You’ve all been quite kickass.

Ashley (via her mother, Stephanie) lent me her name through winning a charity auction. Meeting you at FaerieCon made me smile, so I hope your namesake in the story makes you smile.

Dr. Scott Paulson answered my physics questions, so I could try to grasp the possibilities of timespace (although the physics in the text was quite corrupted by the liberties I took). You’re still very patient.

My research assistant, Christopher Scheirer, procured articles on various oddities (all while working on his PhD). My personal assistant, Laura Kalnajs, read and proofread this book repeatedly—all while keeping my daily chaos in check. Thank you both.

Merrilee Heifetz has had the unenviable task of handling my bouts of crazy, and I’m ever indebted to you for the unwavering faith in this (and every other thing). You are an amazing guardian/warrior angel.

Kelley Armstrong and Jeaniene Frost repeatedly assured me that I could write this book. You were ultimately right, but I’m not sure if I could’ve done it without your cheering.

Dylan shared cryptid expertise, as well as his stacks of books and DVDs to help me build monsters. Asia read drafts and reminded me that I have, in fact, written books before so could do this again. Clearly, I’m the luckiest mother in all of the possible universes because you are my children.

Loch provided emotional support, food, and caffeine; he read drafts and listened without impatience as I ranted, rearranged furniture, and planned last-minute family vacations. Your steadiness is enough to merit awards.