Freedom's Child (36 page)

I have to start by thanking my husband, John, who is just crazy enough to actually tolerate me and my work on a daily basis. Without his support, this book would have long been burned and the hard drives still lost at sea…or the bathtub (remember that, John?). But all kidding aside, John has been one of the few people who took a chance on me and had faith in my writing when no one else did. And for that, I’ll be forever thankful.

Next, my lead researcher, Miss Sarah Cailean, my favorite cop from Philly, whose invaluable advice and quick responses have been lifesavers throughout the writing of this book. In my very small circle of friends whom I continually share my work with, Sarah is my go-to girl, especially for help in legal and police procedure. Thanks, chica. You’re the bestest.

Also in this circle are three gentlemen I’ve known for many years. Jason Marano from the Bronx, whose encouragement and excitement over my writing has lit fires under my ass on many days when I doubted myself. And Stephen Perry Quesada, my favorite psychologist in New York, whose help in understanding hard-to-understand people was a great help in this book and will continue to be a great help in the next one. Last in the circle, but certainly
not least, James Cashman, who is literally one of the most beautiful writers I’ve ever known. I thank you guys for all your patience. And, of course, Heather Jackson, my home slice from Long Island. Thanks for always reminding me why I had to write this book and for being one of the greatest friends a girl could ask for.

Jessica Bonati, my sister: the only person in this world who
really
knows me. I love you with all my heart. Your pep talks and answering my calls in the middle of the night have proven to be absolutely necessary in order for me to want to achieve something in life, especially this book.

To Vik Usack, my father, a man who somehow knew since the day I was born that I was destined for something. Thank you for seeing things in me that I never could and for having faith in me when I gave you every reason not to. Without you seeing my potential, I may have never written this.

And now, we cross the pond. One of the most important people in helping me write this book is Helen Falconer, whom I refer to as St. Helen of Mayo, from the Inkwell consulting agency of Dublin. Thank you for editing the shit out of my book since the first page of the very first draft. Your help was more than I could ever ask for. Vanessa O’Loughlin, for leading the literary movement in Ireland with
www.writing.ie
and with The Inkwell Group. Many thanks for taking a chance on me and my writing. To everyone in the Irish Crime Group for their criticism and help as I was learning how to write. To Carousel Creates, for making available to me an outlet to work. And to my Irish family, the O’Donnells, whom I’ve come to love, for supporting me and for their continued support, especially Ber and Paddy, my in-laws.

Now last, not least, the guys behind the curtain…Oz, is what I call them. First, my literary agent at WME, Simon Trewin. It was you who single-handedly turned me from a writer at home to a real-life author. A million thank-yous and here’s to a great literary marriage. And to my editors at HarperCollins UK Killer Reads, Sarah
Hodgson and Kate Elton, whose guidance continues to mold me as a writer and for helping me hone skills I never knew I had. And, finally, senior editor Zack Wagman of the Crown Publishing Group at Penguin Random House US, the literary genius god with a top hat and wings. Thank you, from one Yankee to another, for the bucket-loads of help you’ve poured my way.