“You’re not- Are you thinking of not going through with the pregnancy?”
She shook her head. “No, no, not that. I just don’t know what to do, Zack. I’m scared.”
He kissed her forehead and pulled her chin up. “Olivia, you will make an incredible mother. Your capacity to love is infinite. And every step of the way we will be together. We will love and protect this child.” He laughed suddenly. “We’re going to be a family.”
Olivia tried to calm her nerves. She didn’t know if she could make this work. She didn’t know how to handle the many emotions battling within.
Zack rested his hand on her stomach. For the first time since she had learned about her condition, she felt peace wash over her. She took a deep breath.
She was still scared. She knew too much about evil and what could happen. But with Zack, just maybe she had the strength to take it one day at a time.
“I do love you, Zack.”
He kissed her, embracing her tightly. “I love you, Liv. You and the little guy inside you. Forever.”
“Forever,” she repeated, holding him close. Her fears faded just a bit. With Zack, she could do this.
“Now will you marry me?” he asked.
“Right now?”
He glanced at his watch. “Right now.”
“Can I get dressed?” She stifled a combination giggle and sob.
“Absolutely. But I’m not letting you out of my sight. Do you need help?”
She wiped away tears. “No, but you can watch.”
He sat back in the chair and smiled. “This should be fun.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The act of writing is a solitary experience. Taking a tickle of an idea and seeing it blossom into a 400-page novel is exhilarating. But in the process, the writer often seeks guidance from those with knowledge beyond her scope. Several people kindly shared their time and expertise to help pull together the details of this book:
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.
