Agents of the Glass (37 page)

Call me naïve and an idealist (I've been called worse!), but I believe in the Andy Llewellyns of the world. They're out there, I remind myself daily—though some days I have my doubts, as any New Yorker who has ever taken the 6 train must. For every Andy and Silas and Mrs. Cardigan doing good, however, a Winter Neale or a St. John de Spere or an NTRP (resemblance to any actual company is a product of your imagination) can't be far behind, eager to restore the balance with a little evil. With the fog of (gasp!) optimism circling my head, I hope that this book finds its way into the hands of a few of those would-be Andys, who, like him, are willing to stand up to the Winters of the world.

My heartfelt thanks go out to:

Laura Grimmer, the love of my life: At long last, here it is—the superhero book that you coaxed, inspired, cajoled, and, in so many ways,
helped
me to write. I hope it exceeds your (great) expectations. (You knew I'd slip a Dickens allusion in there somewhere, didn't you?)

Nancy Hinkel, my brilliant editor: Part cheerleader, part psychologist, and altogether wonderful human being, you guided, pushed, and pulled me through six—count 'em,
six
—books! I've said it before, but it bears repeating: I can't even
imagine
a writer having a better experience. I am
so
going to miss you!

Rosemary Stimola, my agent: Eight years and seven books later, I still have to pinch myself to make sure I didn't merely dream that you took me on as a client. Two words: You rock.

And finally, a hearty shout of thanks from the rooftops to everyone at Knopf Books for Young Readers, Random House Children's Books, and Yearling Books. Your talents, hard work, and enthusiasm inspire me to work a little harder every day.