Black Chamber

Acknowledgements

To Kier Salmon, longtime close friend and valued advisor. Whose help with things in Spanish and about Mexico—she lived there into adulthood—has been very, very helpful with this one, as well as her general advice to which I always listen carefully. My mother grew up speaking Spanish too (in Lima, Peru), but alas she and my aunt used it as a secret code the children couldn’t understand, and Kier has been invaluable to fill in those lacunae, as well as being a fine editor (and promising writer) in her own right.

To Markus Baur, for help with the German language. Tho’ he did chuckle at “pigdog”.

To Dave Drake, for help with the Latin bits and a deep knowledge of firearms acquired in several different ways.

To Alyx Dellamonica, for some really good advice on how to handle a crucial relationship. Bless the Aunties!

To my first readers; Steve Brady, Pete Sartucci, Brenda Sutton, Lucienne Brown, and Scott Palter.

To Patricia Finney, for friendship and her own wonderful books, starting with A Shadow of Gulls and going on from there.

To Roland and Sheila Richter at Joe’s Diner of Santa Fe—for putting up with me using their place as an unofficial office, not charging me rent, and for Roland helping me with some German subtleties. Besides, Joe’s is a really good diner.

And to: Walter Jon Williams, Emily Mah, John Miller, Vic Milan, Jan Stirling, Matt Reiten, Lauren Teffeau, and Sareena of Critical Mass, our writer’s group, for constant help and advice.

Dedication

To Jan, in all possible worlds!