Indelible (48 page)

Author’s note:

While I did add some fictional details to the accounts of the racing in Corona, the races themselves were real. Grand Avenue in Corona, California, forms a circle three miles around, giving the city its nickname: The Circle City. From 1913 to 1916, three international car races were held there. Over 100,000 spectators came to watch and the purse (the amount the winner received) was second only to Indianapolis.

In 1916, Bob Burman’s car lost a front tire, and went into the crowd. Several people were killed and many more were injured. Bob himself was fatally injured and died later at the hospital. Bob’s wife, Helen, did have a dream that he would be killed and had begged him not to compete. As he lay dying, a woman attempted to steal a diamond pin he wore for luck. Officers stopped the woman and ordered her searched by nurses, who found the pin in her corset.

The Pendrell family is entirely fictional. The car crash that killed Bob Burman was an accident. No one ever claimed to have tampered with the vehicle and no one convinced the female thief to steal Mr. Burman’s diamond pin. The dream (as far as we know) was Helen Burman’s and not the dream of her friend.

I also took a bit of literary license with Trader Joe’s inventory; the Trader Joe’s in Dos Lagos doesn’t carry any of the special Waker herbs I mentioned (as far as I know).

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank and acknowledge:

First, my husband. Without his support, time, and help, this book would never have been finished. His grammar skills, logical brain, and complete faith in me got me through.

My two children, who were always ready with hugs when I felt discouraged.

Melonie Piper, for her contribution to the book. She was there in beginning when I was brainstorming what the book would be about, during the first draft and at the end for the final push. Thank you!

Alma, for once again designing me a beautiful cover and making sure I was still alive while in the midst of heavy editing.

My parents, who have always believed in me and supported my dreams.

Nancy, my wonderful editor, who was also a cheerleader when I needed it most.

Janette Rallison, for going through my first fifty pages and sharing her wealth of editing knowledge with me.

Kristie Cook, for helping me know when a scene didn’t fit, or needed more.

Sera Phyn, whose plot suggestions really helped round out the whole story.

Vinaya, whose suggestions came at a time when they were desperately needed.

Lesley, for her detailed feedback.

DJ, for his enthusiastic response to my first chapter.

Wendy, who managed to be a beta reader despite her busy schedule.

Angela, for catching some mistakes I had totally missed

Heather, for ignoring her inner editor while reading my very rough first draft.

My big sister Melanie, for her many phone conversations.

Megan and Jeff, for their knowledge of police procedure.

Aaron, for helping me understand a little bit more about politics.

Nikki, for answering all of my medical questions.

Elka, for letting me know some of the long term effects of seizures.

Larry for sharing his knowledge of paramedic procedures.

A HUGE thank you to all of my fans who have left reviews and sent e-mails letting me know how much they have loved Intrinsical.

Finally, Kamilla Quast and the Pendrell Publishing team. I appreciate your continued belief and support in my writing.