Graveyard Shift (27 page)

I wanted to tell her she could burn the proposal, but then maybe she was right. Maybe I should be reaching for more, making a name for myself.

“Are you ready to retire for the evening?” Maalik settled next to me and folded back his wings.

“I’m ready to retire for life,” I mumbled as Cindy disappeared through the glass doors.

Grim and Josie were dragging me back to school. Horus was pressuring me into illegally tracking potential throne replacements. I had to keep an eye on Winston, the new boy-king. And now Cindy wanted to turn me into a demon-proof ninja.

What had the wise Khadija said?

“This will not be your greatest challenge, and if you are strong, it will not be your last.”

Khadija grant me strength. And truckloads of it
.

Acknowledgements

I’m a very lucky girl, and not just because I finally published my first book, but because of all the wonderful people in my life who helped make
this crazy pipedream a reality.

Justina Roquet, my lovely genius of a sister, who helped immensely with the treacherous editing process. Thank you for making sure my heroes have shiny black hair and not shiny back hair.

Diana Kindle and Debbie Scotten, who tackled last minute typos and grammatical errors, you ladies are the best! Thank you for your enthusiasm and friendship.

Brad and Tara Justice, thank you for informing me that I had a terrible short story, but a great prologue for a series.

Thanks also goes to my comrades in the business of wielding words, who so graciously took the time to read and critique my work or simply offer advice on the finer points of publishing: Ricia Mainhardt, Charles de Lint, Robert Fanning, Lisa Kessler, Darla Cook, MaryJanice Davidson, Lance Carbuncle, Alex Colvin, Kimberly Frost, Jim Butcher, and Christine Wicker.

Friends and family, whose encouragement and enthusiasm made this whole project worthwhile: Mom and Dad, Wendi, Danetta, Danny, Nikki, Robin, Rachel, Jenni, Jennie, Jill, Candy, Bilan, Char, Ron, Mrs. Brause and her flying perfect, and all my early online readers.  Thank you all.

If I’ve missed anyone, go ahead and send me an angry email at [email protected], and I promise to thank you from the bottom of my heart next time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANGELA ROQUET
is a great big weirdo. She collects Danger Girl comic books, owls, skulls, and random craft supplies. Her obsessions include the Wizard of Oz, over-sweetened coffee, and all things Joss Whedon. She's a fan of renewable energy, marriage equality, and religious tolerance. As long as whatever you're doing isn't hurting anyone, she's a fan of you, too.

Angela lives in Sedalia, Missouri with her husband and son. When she's not swearing at the keyboard, she enjoys painting, goofing off with her family and friends, and reading books that raise eyebrows. You can find Angela online at
www.angelaroquet.com

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