A Past That Breathes

by Noel Obiora

  Then, Big drove away.

  Acknowledgments

  This novel would not have been possible without the relationships that shaped my study and practice of law and the individuals who encouraged me to write. From Texas to California, there were too many to mention, but a few, I must: Lon Otto, who saw a great story when others suggested I give it up; Jay Schaefer for his straight talk and honest assessment; the Community of Writers I met at Squaw Valley—especially Susan Moke (d. 2013), who in just one week left indelible prints on everyone she met, as if it was her sole purpose in coming to the workshops; Vlada (Teper) and Maddy (Meg Rae Murphy), here’s to you and that cabin we filled with four accents, from three continents, each uniquely American.

  I would like to thank friends like Steven Basileo, Tiffany Keating, Cassandra Shivers, Anthony Rayburn, Cynthia Morales, Pouneh Ghaffarian, Sophia Park, Jimmy Yamasaki, Cindy Philapil, Joan Lark, Margie Lezcano, Mavis Sanders, Zandra Bailes, and Ed Russey, Jr. – any resemblance between you and characters in this book is purely coincident. I am indebted to Dr. Ikechi Ogan who let me cross-examine him numerous times for this book; to Dr. Laura Dansky for her insights; and to Dr. Maureen Mbadike — my madness and sanity, indivisible — for her unwavering believe in me and for our two wonderful children, Odiso and Chukwuemeka.

  Finally, to the team at Rare Bird who made this book a reality, thank you.