First of all, I want to thank everyone who has read this story. If you haven’t, you can start on chapter one here. I especially want to single out Heavenly, my sweet and lovely wife, the first reader of every new chapter.
Thanks to Black Tap Coffee, where a good majority of this story was written, for their incredible brews and their bright, hospitable atmosphere.
I’d also like to give sincere appreciation to Marquetta Goodwine, chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, more commonly known as Queen Quet. She was willing to help me better understand the situation the Gullah people face in the midst of rampant overdevelopment, a sad fact of life for anyone who lives in the coastal areas of the South. She answered several questions through personal emails, and the archives of her radio broadcast were extremely helpful.
Please visit her website to learn more about the Gullah and the very real threats to their continued culture and lifestyle, as well as the ways that the Nation offers help to Gullah people who are struggling to hold onto their land. Of course, any errors or inaccuracies about them that might have crept into this story are my own, and not hers.
Well, that’s it. That’s the story. It took a few twists and turns I didn’t expect, but the main idea I first had a bit over ten years ago is there. And it became something more than that, I think. Which isn’t necessarily saying a lot. The original idea wasn’t much beyond a skeleton: guy meets girl, they fall in love, girl dies in a cop’s act of vengeance, girl’s true, secret nature is revealed. I always knew what Rumor was, but I never foresaw Ed or Celia until I had almost started writing. But I’m glad I discovered them.
Feel free to comment or leave feedback. Again, thanks for reading!
