To Julie

For steadfast support and nearly numberless technical ideas and actions without which would likely find me still at a typewriter, an outmoded unreliable one at that.

For unflinching critiques that--whatever the value of this story--have to my mind made it unquestionably more valid.

For courage and curiosity that helped form the female story protagonist and influenced her many probes into zones unknown.

To my sons, Matthew and Miles and Dan

For always being there for the Popster.

To grandson, Hayden

For being our grandson and such a damn cute one.

To Matthew's Mary

For being Mary.

To the steadfast 'Curse' manuscript readers:

Pat, Gary, Ron, Jim, and of course sister Barbara and son Miles.

 Dorothy (In Memorial)

For the wizardry that got me through the Urshurak experience.

To Greg

For decades-old friendship and encouragement and the invite that hooked me thoroughly ('cursed' me, you could say).

To Ian

For his key comments that altered my writing perspective.

To certain smart and gutsy female friends

 who influenced the character of heroine, Lee Stewart.