To my fellow physician fiction authors Dr. Sandra Block, Dr. Saumya Dave, Dr. Jennifer Driscoll, Dr. Heather Frimmer, Dr. Bradeigh Godfrey, Dr. Nadia Hashimi, Dr. Lydia Kang, Dr. Judy Melinek, Dr. Sheryl Recinos, Dr. Kristine Scruggs, Dr. Meghan Maclean Weir, and Dr. Ismée Williams (and so many more!): I am honored to be among your ranks. It requires truly singular brain chemistry to churn out imaginary drama in the midst of all the real-life mayhem.

Special thanks to Dr. Bradeigh Godfrey, for her treasured friendship, her support, and her always insightful developmental edits. And also her mad bookstagram skills.

To Drs. Danae and Olen Netteburg, you are an inspiration. I could not admire you more.

To the fiercely brilliant Dr. Kizzy Corbett, thank you for letting me borrow your last name for President Corbett. I’m in awe of all you have done for our country, for the advancement of science, and especially for women in STEM.

To my friend and fellow author Youssef Chebaa Hadri, thank you for such a gracious welcome to the dazzling city of Tangier. I look forward to a return visit and a long literary discussion.

To Abdennour Mezzine, fellow doctor and author, it has been such an honor to correspond with you. Thank you for your service on the front lines in Morocco and for your kindness to a fellow writer.

To my beta readers: Heather Burkhart, Bess Kercher, Lisa Kline, Lara Lillibridge, and Betsy Thorpe, my apologies for the wretched early drafts. Your suffering makes me a better writer.

To the Ink Tank: I love each and every one of you.

To my San Diego author friends: Liz Fenton, Michelle Gable, Kristina McMorris, Sue Meissner, Lisa Steinke, and Kate Quinn, I am so lucky y’all treat me as an honorary Californian. And I’m so fortunate to bask in the glow of all your massive success. #writergoals

To my writer buds Anne Bogel, Julie Clark, Molly Grantham, Jennifer Klepper, and Colleen Oakley: You are the people I turn to when I need a laugh, a boost, or an idea. Thank you.

To P. J. Vernon: One night I read all the texts we’ve ever sent each other about our books and I laughed so hard I hurt myself. You are witty and lovable and brilliant and an absolutely terrifying thriller writer. Now that I think about it, that’s such a weird combo. Makes me love you even more. #BathHaus

To Hitha Palepu and Ashley Spivey: I adore our little triumvirate. Thank you so much for the literary support and the friendship.

To the Berkley team—Fareeda Bullert; Craig Burke; Lauren Burnstein; Kerry Donovan; the Marys, both Baker and Geren; Colleen Reinhart; Natalie Sellars; Lindsey Tulloch; Christine Legon; and Claire Zion—so many beautiful books exist because of you. I am honored that mine are among them. Thank you.

To Kathleen Carter, publicist extraordinaire: You are outstanding at what you do. Thank you.