“How did it go?” he asked.
“Like expected. I cracked after an hour and spilled my
guts.”
“Did you tell them about me?”
He had insisted that I inform my parents about all his past misdeeds. “Yes, and it triggered another two hours’ worth of
questions and reassurances.”
“And the marriage?”
“That, too. My mother had heart failure, or so she claimed,
424
Maria V. Snyder
but she instantly forgot all about your colorful past when I
asked her to plan us another wedding.”
I realized more rounds of questions and assurances and
explanations would be required to reach normalcy with my
family. It would be crazy, exhausting and probably involve a
lot of laughing and tears. With Devlen’s love and support, I
could easily handle all of it.
Devlen intertwined his fingers with mine. “What are you
thinking about?”
“The
future.”
“And?”
I turned to face him. “Welcome to our herd.”
* * * * *
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A huge thank-you to my husband, Rodney, and children,
Luke and Jenna. Their encouragement and support never
wavers.
During the writing of my books, I’m thankful to have a
wonderful network of supporters. My critique partner, Kim-
berley J. Howe, is always willing to read and comment on
my first drafts. My friend Judi Fleming has encouraged me
in many ways. Our contest to see who could write the most
words in a day was what I needed to finish the story. Thanks
for the incentive and the wine!
After visits to Harlequin’s Toronto, New York City and
London offices, I was amazed to learn how many people are
involved in getting my manuscript transformed into a pub-
lished book. I like to thank them all for their hard work and
effort on my books!
My excellent editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey, thankfully con-
tinues to give me invaluable advice and inspiration. Thanks
to Elizabeth Mazer, a vital member of our team.
The art department has done a fantastic job with this bright
cover. Many thanks to all the talented artists, designers and
photographers for your creative efforts.
A special thank you to my friend Kathy Flowers. She ar-
ranged for me to take a tour of a maximum security prison
and then played tour guide for the day. It was an enlightening
experience and a bit scary as we mingled with the inmates.
And a shout out to the Black Sergeant, visitor number one-
three-six-five thanks you for your time.
And a huge thanks to my massive army of Book Comman-
dos! Your efforts have helped in spreading the word about my
books. Special mention to those who have gone above and beyond the call to duty: Louise Bateman, Justin Boyer, Elizabeth Earhart, Michelle Gottier, Jane Gov, Jimmy Grogan, Jen
Grzebien, Kelley Hartsell, Kate Ladd, Heather Lloyd, Denise
Löchtermann, James Pellow, Kelly Plaia, Erica Rowe, Greg
Schauer, Laura Schibinger, Jessica Scott, Larry Smith, Ashlen
Stevenson, Julie Walsh and Sarah Weir. Valek may try to re-
cruit you to his team.
®
ISBN: 978-1-4268-6545-9
SPY GLASS
Copyright © 2010 by Maria V. Snyder.
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, MIRA Books, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Document Outline
Praise
Title Page
Dedication Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Copyright Page
Spy Glass Page 45