Here we go again -- my disclaimer that this is fiction, and that it gives me license to make things up. Honestly, I try not to do that when it comes to facts that can realistically be verified, because I know there are experts out there among you who read my books. While you can suspend disbelief for the story's sake, I understand it's jarring to be confronted with something that's patently impossible or untrue. Fortunately, this wasn't a story that required a great deal of research.

I didn't consult with a family attorney, though I tried to stay true to the California statutes for foster care and adoption. As I mentioned before, I've had some experience working with the social service system, so I know the lingo and the goals of its dedicated professionals. Consider this the simplified version. 

As I have throughout the series, I spent a good deal of time on the BMW site & Google maps. No doubt, by the time this book appears in print, BMW will have new models that render this story outdated. Let's just hope California's geography doesn't change, because that would be really bad news.