the 13th Hour (47 page)

"So, does this mean . . . ?"

The three of them looked back and forth between the identical watches.

Shamus finally looked up . . . "Now there are two."

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

L
IFE IS FAR MORE
enjoyable when you work with people you like and respect. I would personally like to thank:

Gene and Wanda Sgarlata, the owners of Womrath Bookshop in Bronxville, NY, for their continued support and friendship.

Peter Borland, for your inspiration, guidance, friendship, and enthusiasm. I'm beyond thrilled to be working together. Judith Curr, the most forward-thinking professional in the publishing world, and Louise Burke, for her unwavering support and belief. I could not be in better hands. Nick Simonds, for keeping it all together. Joel Gotler, for once again doing the impossible. Mike DeLuca, Alissa Philips, Meredith Finn, and everyone at New Line Cinema, for creating the initial excitement.

And heads and shoulders above all, Cynthia Manson. First and foremost, for being such a good friend. Everything else aside, it is a rare day when we find a true friend in this world, and finding one to work with is magic. Thank you for your innovative thinking, your continued faith, and your unlimited tenacity.

Thank you to my family: Richard, for your creative, intellectual mind, your strength of character, and sense of humor in the face of adversity. Marguerite, for your tenacious approach to life, your warm, caring heart, which reminds me of everything that is good in this world, and your never-ending sense of style and beauty no matter how dark the day. Isabelle, for your laugh that fills my soul, your sense of adventure, and your constant curiosity about the world around you.

My dad, for always being my dad and the voice of wisdom that forever rings in my ear.

Most important, thank you, Virginia, for putting up with my upside-down work habits. You are my muse, my laughter, my joy; you are the reason for everything good in my life. Your beauty, smile, and personality inspire every word I write. You have given me life, you've given me hope, you've given me love. You make my heart dance.

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication Page

AUTHOR'S NOTE

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 13

EPILOGUE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS