by C K Burch
“You know,” he began, “I'm kind of a stranger to the ways of non-monogamy. I, uh, guess I'll try and catch up quickly, but I have to admit I'm intrigued by it.”
“Just relax and enjoy yourself,” Jack replied. “As long as you're honest, you'll do well.”
He held up one hand. “I solemnly swear.”
“Excellent.” She kissed his cheek and they continued their stroll. “So tell me, Dust McAlan: was this expedition worth it for you?”
Dust smiled and he took her hand. “I can say with a hundred percent confidence that there wasn't a single negative thing that I took away from this adventure.”
A bee flew past his face and he screamed.
***
Acknowledgments
No human is an island, and no great book was crafted alone. Bringing this third Dust McAlan adventure to completion was a true act of labor – a grand total of five years of work – and it would do me little good to not give some credit where credit is due, and there are three major credits I must highlight.
First credit goes to my brother, Casey, whose illustrations have graced both the pages of these books and their covers since the beginning. Nearly 35 years of togetherness has given us a unique understanding of how each other's art works, and how do best compliment each one. Every time I need a new perspective on what Dust looks like, Casey provides the vision, and then suddenly it all makes sense. I may have written these stories, but Casey builds the windows for me to actually see the people and the world. I had a few times during the course of this writing that I nearly quit entirely, but Casey took active interest in a work that he, too, was invested in, and provided nothing but encouragement despite knowing I'd simply put him to the task of more artwork. And boy has he provided. Thanks, brother. This was a tough go-around, but I think we should be very proud of what's come off the iron.
Second credit goes to my beta readers, Kevin and Danielle, husband-and-wife duo who've I've only just met within the last year and so never imagined I'd be sending them copies of my work for feedback. Neither of them had read either of the first two McAlan adventures, and seeing as how this one is a bit of a soft reboot, it felt perfect to get that fresh vantage. Their feedback was incredibly valuable, highlighting different aspects of the story that required either praise or work, and to just receive those thoughts and criticism was a moment of validation that can't be given enough thanks.
Thirdly, finally, but certainly not the least, credit must go to my partner, Liv. Where to begin? I begin the writing of this work before she was a part of my life, and I doubt I would have finished it without her presence. I have been continually inspired by her dedication to producing her own art, she has continually encouraged me to maintain my writing and finish this work, and above all of that she accepted the mountainous task of editing this novel that you are now reading. I've made offers to others in the past to edit my books, but was met with dollar signs that were outside my pocketbook range, so I've simply put myself to the task of editing everything I've ever written – for better and for worse. I knew this one needed help, and so knowing her experience with editing other writing projects I made her an offer. Never did I expect the thoroughness and depth of detail with which she would come back and deliver her edits. It was, embarrassingly, a moment full of self-deprecation when I saw her notes, but then as I read through them I realized just how much better this book was going to be because of her attention. It's rare to be able to say that the person I love is the person I trust the most with my art, but it's true and it's proven; what you've just read now reads and flows with a higher quality due to her efforts. I can't express the gratitude I have for her influence and inspiration in all areas of my life, but this book simply would not be finished without her, and any other book I write from here on out won't be finished without her, either.
There've also been a number of people who've contributed and expressed encouragement in me continuing to write these damned Dust McAlan books. Some of them aren't in my life anymore, while many of them are recent additions to my world. Life is strange that way, a series of rotating faces that come and go, some staying longer than others, always revolving and evolving into new bonds of friendship. Every single person who's dropped a line of praise or encouragement or constructive criticism is valuable to me, and I'm forever grateful that you expressed your desire to see a third book in this series.
When I first began writing this, I outlined an entire essay in my mind on the subject of third entries in series, and how laboriously I studied them in order to understand how to make one work. I've written one spin-off and one direct sequel before this, but a third chapter of a series was so far outside of my experience that it felt overwhelming. So I studied. And studied. And felt I'd gleaned enough obsessive interest in threequels to provide adequate back matter to this book as to provide my professional thoughts and opinions. As a thank you to you, dear reader, I refrain. I can save that for social media. For now, I acknowledge you and thank you for reading this work, with my hopes that you have enjoyed yourself thus far, and as such I spare you my winding thoughts. Besides, I've spent so long trying to write this blasted book that if I start another tangent, I might not ever finish.
Dust McAlan will, eventually, return. How and when will depend on reactions to this adventure. If I'm being honest, delivering this book to the world felt like Sisyphus forever pushing his goddamn boulder up the hill, only to have it roll back down as he neared the top. Simultaneously, I already know the nature of his next quest, so if you want more, tell me. Write a review, send me a message, let me know. Because I will most definitely need some enticement to get back on the horse again sooner versus later after this last marathon.
Thank you, again. May all your adventures end as unexpectedly pleasant as this one.
***
April 14th, 2016 - May 19th, 2019