Allison Brennan - The Kill

Gary Olson, public safety consultant for the California State Assembly, for helping me research California law, specifically the 1972 Supreme Court decision that abolished the death penalty, resulting in 107 criminals having their sentences changed.

Romance writers are immensely generous with their time and talent. I particularly want to thank Morag Pippin and Ann Schuessler for their information about Seattle and Vashon Island.

Once again, Wally Lind at Crime Scene Writers has been an invaluable reference, helping to bring the forensic details alive; former FBI agent and author Rae Monet graciously answered a myriad of odd questions at all hours of the day and night; and Lillian Peck, customer service representative with the Municipal Court of Seattle, answered multiple questions about their court system, prisoner housing, and transportation. Any inaccuracies are solely my domain.

For much needed emotional support, thanks to my friend Karin Tabke and our blogging partners in crime at murdershewrites.com.

Special thanks to Jan, Sharon, and Amy, who read the first chapters and asked the tough questions; my fabulous agent, Kimberly Whalen, whose excitement is contagious and who always loved Zack; and my wise editor Charlotte Herscher, who helped whip this story into shape. In addition, I want to thank the entire Ballantine team for their support and encouragement, especially Dana Isaacson, Gilly Hailparn, Kim Hovey, and Signe Pike.

Most important, I want to acknowledge the parents of murdered children who, through much personal pain and sacrifice, continue to focus the notoriety of their families’ tragedies to effect reform of child predator laws nationwide.

And, the sexual assault investigators who dedicate their lives to solving crimes against the most innocent and vulnerable of our society.