by George Wier
I believe I have captured that feel here.
I would like to thank Milton’s family—his sons Seth, David and Thomas, and his daughter Samantha—for permitting the publication of this work. Thanks are also due to David Hudson, of Tyler, Texas, perhaps Milton’s oldest and best friend, for approving this book for publication as the executor of Milton’s estate.
Additionally, my thanks go out to Bobby Byrd, Lee Merrill Byrd, and Johnny Byrd of Cinco Puntos Press for this lovely edition. You folks are the greatest.
There are many people—far too many to name—who helped this author along the way. You know who you are, and I believe you know the depth of my gratitude.
My final thanks are to Milton T. Burton, for understanding and sage advice when it was most needed, for late night phone calls, Mexican food and fine cigars, and for being who he was—writer, educator, historian, mentor, and above all, friend. I miss you.
This book has been a labor of love and tender care. The subject matter is dark, needless to say, but darkness is the true nature of both crime and crime fiction. It is my sincere hope that this book is true to Milton, to Galveston—both as it is and as it was—and true to Texas and to history. I believe that Milton and I have accomplished all of these, and more.
George Wier
Austin, Texas
February 2013
