The Book of Matt (51 page)

I was equally blessed by the behind-the-scenes support of several individuals at critical junctures in the writing of this book: attorney Robert H. Montgomery, Jr. and Georgetown University professor Thomas M. King, S.J. (both deceased); Dick Nodell and Karin Aarons, who have been my longtime teachers and never fail to light my way; Pamela Talese, Andrew Boylan, and Ann Donaldson, who provided research and investigative assistance and have been impeccable fellow travelers; JoAnn Wypijewski, the first journalist to map the terrain of this story; activist and attorney Bill Dobbs; Nan and Gay Talese, whose vote of confidence carried me further than they know; my goddaughter Sarah Nodell, keeper of the dreams; and my band of friends who provided logistical assistance and helped me keep the faith — Kelly Johnson, Alexandra Eldridge, Karen Mauch, Diane Zilka, Kevin Baker, Lory Pollina, Darcy Nicholson, Troy Fernandez, James Bristol, Julia Cameron, Gayla Bechtol, Sterling Zinsmeyer, Louis Bixenman, Hampton and Anne Sides, Jean Gardner, Paul Ryan, Katie Leishman, Pamela Tudor, Doug Wiggin, Barbara Sullivan, and Dave Minear.

I owe a special debt of gratitude to David and Catherine Skinner for supporting this book during a critical stage in its development; and also to Michael Gill.

Finally, I want to express my love and thanks to my father, Daniel Jimenez, for his generous support of
The Book of Matt
; to Lucy Thompson, whose faith and friendship have sustained me; and to my partner, Miles Fairris, for joining me in the Big Adventure.