Marcia Clark: Guilt By Degrees

“I’ll miss you too,” I said.

“I was talking about room service.”

“Get out.”

Having the room to myself again gave me a lot of time to think. Along with the new hope of finding Romy-a hope I could barely let myself touch-was the sadness of Gary’s loss and a profound loneliness. I was glad to get back to work Monday morning. I buried myself in the double homicide that was set to go in two weeks, and before I knew it, the office lights in the surrounding buildings were glowing warmly against an ebony sky.

Time to pack it in. I slipped into my coat, grabbed my purse and briefcase, and headed out through the now-quiet hallways. I crossed the lobby and stepped outside into the chill night air.

“Rachel.”

I stopped. My heart gave a slow, heavy thud. I knew that voice. I turned to see Graden standing behind me. He walked over, looked down at me, and brushed my hair from my face.

“We should probably talk,” I said.

“Later.” He folded me into his arms. And I exhaled in a way I hadn’t done in a very long time.

Acknowledgments

Once again, I am forever indebted to Catherine LePard-whose brilliance, talent, and support are the inspiration and mainstay of my life. Cathy, I might never have attempted to live the dream of writing novels if it weren’t for you.

Dan Conaway, how on earth did I get lucky enough to have you for an agent? You’re not just phenomenal at the job, you’re a gem of a person. It’s a delight to know you and to work with you. And fantastic assistant Stephen Barr, you are such a pleasure. What a team! I couldn’t love you more.

I again owe boundless thanks to wonderful editor in chief Judy Clain and publisher Michael Pietsch. Terrific people who are also terrifically talented-a rare combination. I’m incredibly fortunate and honored to be working with you. To marvelous assistant Nathan Rostron, thank you once again for all your hard work behind the scenes. And to senior copyeditor Karen Landry-another great job. Thank you.

My profound thanks to all of the wonderful folks at Mulholland Books, and especially the publicity all-star team: Nicole Dewey, Sabrina Callahan, Miriam Parker-aka my buds. Your smarts, energy, creativity, and sheer resourcefulness are phenomenal…and you couldn’t be more fun! A million thanks to you for all your hard work.

To Marillyn Holmes, I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for your help. Your keen eye and knowledge were indispensable. My love and endless thanks to you.

To Lynn Reed Baragona and Hynndie Wali, who helped keep me sane through the writing of this book. You set the gold standard for girlfriends, and somehow always know how to talk me down off the ledge and how to make me laugh through my mishigas. I love you guys!

Marcia Clark is a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney who was the lead prosecutor on the O. J. Simpson murder case. She cowrote a bestselling nonfiction book about the trial, Without a Doubt, and is a frequent media commentator and columnist on legal issues. She lives in Los Angeles.