Acknowledgements

Writing and publishing a book is a lot of work and often many people are involved. There are quite a number to whom we are indebted.

Long before we typed our first word, there were those who made it possible for Denise to play her part in bringing Michael Guider to book. Among them was Rob Allen, who, knowing what he was getting himself into, put his hand up to go along with her when, filled with trepidation, she decided to go to the police. They also included detectives Steve Leach, Neil Tuckerman and Darren Sly. Without hesitating, Steve and Neil were the first to embrace what Denise had to say even despite everyone else dismissing her out of hand. It goes without saying that without Harrisville's conviction, tenacity and skill Guider would long ago have been freed. They ran a mighty investigation.

Also part of this group were grief counselor John Merrick and newsman Phil Cornford. When the chips were down and Denise, as much as anyone, began to doubt herself, they were the ones who picked up the pieces.

While researching the story, we spent a great deal of time in Macquarie Street, central Sydney, utilising the resources of the NSW Supreme Court and the state library. The information we were allowed access to was invaluable and the staff we encountered could not have been more helpful. It was a similar story when dealing with the District Court folk in nearby Liverpool Street. Others who gave generously of their time and knowledge during this phase included Terry Langham in Adelaide, Neil Tuckerman and Darren Sly again and Elizabeth Clarke (not her real name but she, of course, knows who we mean).

Our gratitude to Kay Scarlett at The Five Mile Press for her endorsement of, faith in and enthusiasm towards the project, Julia Taylor for her tireless and professional work in managing the editorial process and Kylie Mason for knocking the rough edges of our script.

Of the many others who lent a hand along the way, thank you in particular to Kerry Douglas, Sonia Zadel, Craig Cooke, Pete Rolfe, Les Kennedy, Steve Barrett, Kate Walsh, Di Rayment Ward, Julie Ward, Nick Kaldas, Graeme Waldron and both the Fairfax and News Limited picture libraries.

Denise would like to especially thank Gwen Jansen and the other Reiki healers who, in her darkest hour, restored her health with the laying of their hands, and her husband Brian and children Damian, Karen, Katie, Rebecca and Rachael who never complained about where she was or what she was doing.

For their wisdom and encouragement, John would like to thank Dr Richard Basham and Dr Michael Kennedy. Not least, he would also like to acknowledge that Forever Nine would not have been written without the long-standing patience, love and support of his wife, Libby. He is forever indebted to her.