To Margaret; here’s a little sex.

Writing a novel obviously requires a great deal of time, and no matter how much I would want the world to simply stop and let me “finish this chapter,” it continues to spin on. The grass grows, the paint on the fence begins to peel, and children become young adults. Life is about balance; writing a novel is about indulging a burning desire that does not recognize balance. For all those who “picked up the slack” while I was locked in a room alone so no one would disturb my aura, I thank you for this great indulgence.

To Shannon, Brian, and Erin — the time I spent writing Hybrid was yours.

I would also like to apologize to all the people that I forced to read the various versions of my musings. I know some of you suffered in silence out of a sense of misguided loyalty, while others, Jerry, simply suffered.

I would especially like to thank Doug Burns, Christy Bates, and Dalice Lewis: it was your professionalism, talent, and humanity that created the success that gave me the opportunity to write Hybrid.

Of course I would like to thank my publisher, editor, critic, and guide: Lou Aronica. Despite the fact that you are a New York Yankees fan, an irredeemable character defect in most educated circles, I appreciate your patience, experience, and expertise, but mostly your foresight in creating a vehicle for others to succeed.

To my wife Margaret: without you, nothing has meaning.

From: a.flynn@home.com

Sent: March 5, 2012, 2015 MST

To: v.induction@cdc.org

Subject: Viral outbreak

Nathan A. Martin, M.D., Director of Special Pathogens, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia: