MAGPIE (30 page)
***
Sleep didn’t come for me that night; butterflies, it seemed, had morphed into wild bats that wreaked havoc deep inside my gut. Squinting through the blaring light of my laptop, I reviewed the reservation I’d made just hours before. A new, metallic blue X-Terra would be waiting for me at the Hertz counter just a ferry ride away; emotionally, I needed to retire Beater. Soon, I’d be on the road, but this time with a sense of purpose. I left a note on the kitchen counter before I snuck out at dawn,
Dear Dad, Mom and Katie,
Thanks for such a wonderful time. Please pass on my appreciation to Alice. Mom, why have we only now heard of her? LOL! Best of luck, sis, you and Kevin are perfect for each other. And Dad, please take it easy—I need you around for at least the next twenty-five years.
I’m ducking out…I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a road trip through this part of the country. I’ll call you when I get to Atlanta.
XXXOOO Magpie
Acknowledgements
To P, your consistent, loving and guiding support gently ushered me to the finish line. You are along for the ride whether you like it or not.
To J, your keen eye, genuine spirit and continued encouragement guided me through some fretful times. Cheers, my friend.
To D, my chief creative advisor, I hope you realize the value of your contributions.
To my mom, Judy (since passed) and dad, Eddy (still living) who instilled the love of reading and established a home with creative outlets of which I never tired, “thank you” doesn’t begin to describe the measure of appreciation I have for you and your loving efforts.
To my dear friends and family who, with great diligence, kept me from laying down my pen—you rock.
To all my contributors: CS (artist), FR (Photoshop wizard), MWM (writer’s group leader and advisor) and all collaborative geniuses, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Finally, and most importantly,
heartfelt thanks to all the readers who purchased my book and took the time to read it!
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