“Penley.”
“I wanted to give you a heads-up, before you hear it on the news.”
“Yeah?”
“Brice Winnow died at South Valley Memorial.”
“How?”
“The hospital spokesman said something about brain swelling. He died fifteen minutes ago. But get this. Winnow was a registered organ donor. And he’s a match for the Cardozo girl.”
“That’s a fitting end. Can’t say that I’ll miss him,” John said.
“Me neither. Just wanted you to know. Give Melissa a hug from me,” Lieutenant Barnes said.
“Will do.” John disconnected the call and handed the phone to Paula.
The pager on John’s belt vibrated. He glanced down at the display, gave a slight nod in recognition, and switched it off. “Everything okay?” Paula asked.
“Everything is fine. That was the transplant center confirming Tommy’s and my surgeries tomorrow.”
“I’m so happy Tommy is healthy enough for the transplant. Everything he’s been through—everything you’ve been through to make it happen . . .”
“That’s what you do for your kids—at whatever cost.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
At What Cost would still be an idea in my cluttered mind if not for the support, encouragement, and occasional well-timed prod from so many.
I’m eternally grateful to my agent, Elizabeth K. Kracht of Kimberley Cameron and Associates Literary Agency, for her unwavering belief in At What Cost. She is every author’s dream agent, and I’m lucky to have her by my side.
Thanks to the early readers of the manuscript, Brenda Pandos and Karen Crain-Hedger, who offered the right mix of “Atta boy” and “Are you crazy?” to keep me motivated.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to Matt Martz and Sarah Poppe of Crooked Lane Books, who believed in the book and pressed me to make it better. At What Cost found the perfect home at Crooked Lane.
Technical aspects of the story were influenced by Dr. Christian Swanson, chief of surgery, Mercy Medical Group; Dr. Roopinder Poonia, nephrology; and Dr. Christopher Olson, internal medicine, who provided valuable medical insight and critical detail for the story. Any misstatement or simplification of medical procedure or terminology is mine and designed to feed the fictional story line within At What Cost.
My kids, Jessica Windham and Michael L’Etoile, are a constant source of wonder and pride. They indulge their father’s writing-induced craziness without judgment. Keep those “geospastic” forces going. I love you guys more than you can imagine.
Thanks to my wife, Ann-Marie, for reading countless drafts of the book and giving me the freedom and encouragement to write without the slightest hint that she truly thinks I’m nuts. You continue to be my inspiration and partner in all things. I love you.
At What Cost Page 28
