On Secret Service, Page 53

  I thank my four children, who grew up splendidly in spite of having their father disappear into his smoke-choked cellar office several nights a week. Most of all, I owe everlasting thanks to my wife, Rachel, who for almost fifty years of marriage has put up with, but still encouraged, a sometimes-temperamental author. Her love and understanding are boundless.

  —John Jakes

  Greenwich, Connecticut

  August 15, 1999

  www.johnjakes.com