Kathryn Fox: Without Consent

And in light of the recent siege situation at your home, may I offer my sincerest hopes for your quick and full recovery.

All best wishes,

Dan

A sort of apology from a barrister. Maybe it was time to buy a lottery ticket.

Veronica Slater had been exposed and was now facing the consequences of her actions. Her little performance might even have gone some of the way to enhancing Anya’s reputation. Even more demeaning, Veronica’s own colleagues had reprimanded her.

Maybe the good guys did win sometimes, after all.

She propped the card on the desk next to the cactus, sat back and felt in control for the first time that day. Life was anything but normal. And at moments like these, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Once again, many people have offered their expertise and time to help with accuracy in this book. Although the story is fictitious, the work done by the professionals and the psychology of the characters is as true to life as possible. It is sobering to discover that very little research continues to be done in forensic science due to poor funding. Victims-alive and deceased-don’t carry much political power, it seems. Crime shows and novels belie the lack of attention paid to such an important field.

Dr. Jean Edwards, Dr. Caroline Jones and Dr. Guy Norfolk have all selflessly contributed to authenticity about sexual assault examination and the work of forensic physicians. For that, and their tireless contribution to victims, I hope I have been true to you.

Thanks also go to Dr. Jo Duflou, forensic pathologist extraordinaire, the great legal mind (and humor) of Siobhan Mullany, the superlative investigative skills of Chief Detective Inspector Paul Jacob, and the forensic psychology of Dr. John Clarke. Dr. Claude Roux and researchers from the University of Technology, Sydney, have also assisted, as have staff at the Australian Museum.

In addition, appreciation to Cathie Barclay, Lyn Elliott, Sarana Behan, Helen Mateer and Kerrie Nobes for being astute and informed readers, and once again for the outstanding teaching skills of Marg McAlister, from www. writing4success.com. Marg, I promise to “pass it on.”

Thanks again go to my editor, Lyssa Keusch, for believing, and the wonderful Faye Bender, whom I am blessed to have as my agent.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge close family and friends, who have been so supportive and positive through every step in the writing process. Please know that you are never taken for granted.

KATHRYN FOXis a medical practitioner with a special interest in forensic medicine. Her bestselling debut novel, Malicious Intent , received international acclaim and was awarded the Davitt Award for adult fiction. Kathryn currently lives in Sydney, Australia.