I must apologize that a foreword was not included in the first novel at the time of release. From the time I began it in 1993, until it was available in a book format many years later, it was a constant 'work in progress'. The foreword in 'Killing the Eagle' explains, to a much better degree I believe, why there were so many version changes in this work. Suffice it to say that, from a novelist's perspective, patience and perseverance is a virtue. But the beauty of the digital age is that one can be added for the readers here.

The New Madrid fault spawned hundreds of earthquakes throughout a 2-year period in 1811 and 1812 and, based upon eyewitness accounts of those living in the sparsely settled region at the time, it was a terrifying experience. Of course the Richter scale, nor equipment necessary to measure earthquake intensity, did not yet exist - but experts speculate that based upon those eyewitness accounts and evidence that can still be seen today, that at least 8 of the shakers would have measured 8 or more on the Richter. Reelfoot Lake, a large body of water thick with Cypress trees and lily pads in northwestern Tennessee, was created in the midst of the series of quakes. It exists today as one of the best fishing spots for bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish in the Midwest. I began fishing there when I was about six years of age - and still look forward to those annual trips to wet a line amidst the magnificent sunsets that peek through the ancient Cypress timbers.

Since the early 90's, geologists have been warning that the New Madrid fault will again wake with viciousness that only it can deliver. What manifests after that event, now that there are ten million people living from the St. Louis to Memphis, has been a topic of much debate and speculation on Internet forums that can only be resolved by waiting, unfortunately, until Mother Nature decides to make it happen. I did over six years of research on the New Madrid, wrote an earthquake preparedness guide that was used by the Red Cross when Iben Browning mistakenly predicted an earthquake in '91, and I provided lectures and presentations to Red Cross training personnel in St. Louis. My document was used by Southwestern Bell as well, and I was given awards by both organizations for my efforts. But I was elated to see the event didn't come to pass. Following the scare, citizens in the area tossed the stored water, ate their reserve food supplies, and essentially forgot they live on one of the most violent faults in the world.

Certainly, when the day arrives, decision-makers along the New Madrid will face the harsh reality of building skyscrapers and corporate headquarters, masonry bridges over wide bodies of water, and homes in low-lying areas such as East St. Louis that have nothing but aquifer sand under a thin layer of topsoil. Perhaps a few gallons of water stored in reserve, some non-perishable food items, a little deodorant and an extra tube of toothpaste put away for a time of need isn't such a bad idea if you live along the New Madrid.
It is, after all, only A Matter of Timing.

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