Authors: Linda Grimes
The Big Fix (35 page)
“I can take a shot at it, if you like,” Mark said from across the hall, where he was leaning one shoulder against the wall. There was a genuine smile on his face, and yeah, I did start to melt. Apparently being happy again had relaxed
all
my emotions.
“I think this last assignment already kicked my butt enough,” Billy said wryly.
I looked at Billy’s battered face and stuffed my residual feelings for Mark back where they belonged—buried deep. I suspected I’d have to deal with them one day, but today was not that day.
Mom and Auntie Mo couldn’t hold themselves back any longer, and wedged their way into the hall. Mo engulfed me first, while Mom wrapped her arms around Billy. Then they traded places, and pulled us into the crowd waiting in the den.
Once the general hubbub died down a little, I let loose a piercing whistle (I learned that from Auntie Mo—she seemed impressed) and said, “Everyone, before we eat, I have an important announcement to make.”
Billy’s eyes got big, but the smile on his face never wavered. Mom and Auntie Mo clutched their chests, expectation lighting their faces. Dad and Uncle Liam cocked their heads and waited.
“I call dibs on a drumstick!” I said, and ran to the dining room, grinning evilly.
So, here I am at the end of another book, once more contemplating all the people who have helped me on this crazy journey. Hmm. There’s a reason, I believe, writers tend to call this space the “acks.” As in “Ack! Who am I forgetting?”
So many people went into the polishing of this book. My critique partners, beta readers, and general support group, for instance, without whom I would never attempt such an enormous undertaking. Elise Skidmore, Tiffany Schmidt, Tawna Fenske, Julie Kentner, Kris Reekie, Emily Hainsworth, Susan Adrian, and—new to the gang with this book—Sarah Meral, you guys are the best! You have my heartfelt thanks, and if you’re ever in close enough proximity to me, I will toss in the libation of your choice.
I would like to thank my copy editor, Eva Talmadge, for fixing all those bugs that were obviously added to my manuscript by gremlins during the electronic transmission of it from my computer to Tor’s.
Michelle Wolfson, Super Agent, has my eternal gratitude for her continuing belief in Ciel and the gang. And, you know, for handling all the contract stuff that makes my eyes glaze over.
A huge thank-you to Melissa Frain—aka “Melificent”—for her part in whipping my books into shape for the reading public. She does a magnificent job, hence my nickname for her. (However, if there
is
anything you don’t like about this book, let’s just blame her, shall we? I mean, that’s what editors are for, right?) Also, my deep appreciation goes to editorial assistant Amy Stapp for all the things she does, not the least of which is being easily amused by writers who like to think of themselves as funny.
Many thanks to my daughter, Annalisa, and son-in-law, Mike, for the airplane and car info. Any meanderings from fact are strictly due to artistic license on my part, and no fault of theirs. (“Artistic license” means never having to admit you’re wrong.)
Special thanks to my son, Sean, for listening to me jabber on about my characters as if they’re real people, and for not looking at me like I’m crazy while I do it. (Much.)
And, as always, my everlasting love and gratitude to my husband, Bob. A writer couldn’t ask for a more supportive spouse. Thanks for everything, sweet cheeks. Especially for all those reminders that “it’s five o’clock somewhere.”
LINDA GRIMES
grew up in Texas, where she rode horses, embarrassed herself onstage a lot, and taught teenagers they’d have to learn the rules of English before they could get away with breaking them for creativity’s sake. She currently resides in Virginia with her theater-god husband, whom she snagged after he saw her in a musical number at the now-defunct Melodrama Theater in San Antonio. There’s nothing like a rousing chorus of “If You Wanna Catch a Fish You Gotta Wiggle Your Bait” to hook a man for a lifetime. Grimes is the author of
In a Fix, Quick Fix,
and
The Big Fix
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Tor Books by
Linda Grimes
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Contents
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
THE BIG FIX
Copyright © 2015 by Linda Grimes
All rights reserved.
Cover photograph by Gene Mollica
A Tor Book
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Tor® is a registered trademark of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.
eBooks may be purchased for business or promotional use. For information on bulk purchases, please contact Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department by writing to [email protected].
The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.
ISBN 978-0-7653-7638-1 (hardcover)
ISBN 978-1-4668-5126-9 (e-book)
e-ISBN 9781466851269
First Edition: May 2015