Skeleton Company

Chapter 2

I needed to publish a second novel for no other reason than rectifying two glaring omissions in the acknowledgements of my first book:

First, several years ago when I was bogged down with the first draft of Kingmaker, Mora Kennamer treated my family to a lovely week of vacation in her home. The pool, the beach, the river, the enchiladas…it was all so lovely and relaxing, I finally managed to break through writer’s block and finish the draft. I simply couldn’t have done it without Mora’s hospitality.

Second, I failed to mention Chris Liotta. I had nearly given up on getting published when Chris and I got a little zany with a couple of plunges into the freezing Atlantic. In the hour it took to warm back up in a hot tub, Chris made me believe in myself again, and within a week I had a contract with Next Chapter.

Speaking of Next Chapter…thanks to the whole crew there for your passionate work to bring great stories to hungry readers! It’s an honor to work with you all.

For help with the multiple drafts of Skeleton Company, I owe deep thanks to Dave Kuhns and David Fleming for invaluable insight into story and pacing. Ana and Abby Fleming weren’t just beta readers, they were inspiration. Adam G. Fleming is the most committed writer I know, and he makes me want to work hard…sorry my humor is too juvenile for you, bro, but it makes Dad and me laugh. Thank you, Dad, for laughing at the funny stuff and for helping me clean up my prose…and thanks for making sure I know it"s “Dad and me” and not “mean Dad”.

Without Garrett Keaough and Scott Clark, I wouldn’t know the difference between whisky and whiskey. Also, their friendship gives me a place to just be myself, and I am deeply grateful.

Other friends inspire me with their brave creativity in a variety of media: Wes Burnham, Hannah Nisly, Steve Shettler, Derek Beachy, Bryn Hovde, Jonathan and Christa Reuel, Ben and Anne Metz, Cindy Dickel, Kay Fleming, Megan Fleming, Neil Schlaubaugh, and Casey Miller are just a few.

Finally, to Melissa – I saved the best for last, because you’re the best.