I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HELP OF the following people in writing this book:

Susan Rogers Cooper, for bravely reading early drafts and offering helpful criticism;

Eileen Dreyer, for her wit and her detailed knowledge of dealing with medical traumas in less-than-perfect circumstances;

Eva Klima, M.D., for patiently answering my medical questions and offering helpful advice;

David Lambert, for answering questions regarding investments and ethics;

Susan Baker Olsen, for getting morbid with me.

Special thanks to:

Lieutenant Gary Smejkal of the Calhoun County Sheriffs

Department, for his time and willingness to help; Justice of the Peace Nancy Pomykal, for her patient answers to a whole array of questions. Any mistakes are mine and cannot be attributed to these kind folks.

And as always, Joe Blades and Nancy Yost, for their professionalism and encouragement.

While Matagorda Bay, Matagorda Island, Port Lavaca, Port O'Connor, and Calhoun County are all real places, Sangre Island is not. And while the Texas Navy fought valiantly during the Texas Revolution, the sad incident of the Reliant is entirely fictional.