Moon Underfoot (51 page)

My sisters, Barbara Bryan and Deborah Speigner, are the best sisters a brother could expect. Maybe one day I’ll write a story that doesn’t prompt their friends to ask, “Was Bobby a normal child?”

I am profoundly appreciative of my family at Mossy Oak, who have been incredibly supportive of my storytelling attempts. I especially wish to thank Toxey Haas, who has always been there for me. I also want to thank Mr. Fox Haas, Bill Sugg, Ronnie Strickland, Lannie Wallace, Chris Hawley, Ben Maki, Chris Paradise, Asif Sakhawat, Rob Barefield, Cindy Cliett, Larry Moore, Pat Epling, Neill Haas, Daniel Haas, Vandy Stubbs, Jordan LaSuzzo, Blake Hamilton, Jesse Raley, Norman Sneed, Jason Cleveland, Austin Delano, Dudley Phelps, Todd Amenrud, Phil Barker, Carey Sizemore, Bob Turner, Greg Tinsley, Joedee Henry, Jacopo Re, Tim Anderson, Greg Briggs, Patricia Fulgham, Lynne Schubert, Resa Vickers, Erin Molino, Joe Bush, Mark Drury, Terry Drury, Matt Drury, the entire Drury team, and Mossy Oak’s newest family member, Gary Levox.

Roger Pangle, Tommy Paulk, James Fudge, Al Cheatham, Jim Allen, Tim Wood, John Curtis, Russell Gibbs, Doug Dean, David Westmoreland, John Gilbert, Sonny Jameson, Connie Hudson, Lucille Armstrong, David Westmoreland, Bruce Hudalla, Eddie Gran, Brett Bainter, Mary Ella Marshall, and Clay Worden also deserve thanks for their support.

Mick Plummer and Roger West hosted my first book signing, at a
tiny
country store in Mountain Grove, Missouri. We
sold out of books and had loads of fun doing it. Thanks for that and for your continued support.

Justin “Moon Pie” Davis deserves thanks for allowing me to borrow his nickname. He’s a great guy, nothing like the Moon Pie in my stories.

Special thanks goes to the countless readers of
The Dummy Line
who took time to find my e-mail address and contact me. Now you can reach me on Facebook, at Bobby Cole Books.

My writing efforts have forced several friends to suffer—not always quietly—through reading rough drafts. Thanks to Traci LaChance, Carsie Young, Jon Sverson, Ladonna Helveston, Tim Brooks, Dr. Bill Billington, Scott Ross, Robbie Speigner, and Art Shirley for your time and helpful comments.

Danny Young, Rusty Faulk, Todd Smith, Russell Thornberry, John Staff, Bill Miller, and David Maas went out of their way to spread the word about
The Dummy Line
. Thanks, guys.

There are many independent booksellers still “hand-selling”
The Dummy Line
to their clientele. I
really
appreciate your efforts!

Finally, a big thank-you to all of you who told friends and family about my writings, e-mailed links, gave books as gifts, invited me to book clubs, and encouraged me at every opportunity. I could never name everyone, but you know who you are. It’s my sincere hope that you enjoy this story too.

Photo by Jesse Raley © 2012 Bobby Cole

Bobby Cole is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and president of Mossy Oak
^®
Biologic
^®
. Additionally, he is an avid wildlife manager, hunter, and active supporter of the Catch-A-Dream™ Foundation. He lives with his wife and daughter in West Point, Mississippi. Bobby is also the author of the novel
The Dummy Line.