The only way a book like this one is possible is through the kindness of strangers. And now that it is finished they are strangers no more. I owe them all a debt of gratitude.
In the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, I send my appreciation to Judge Susan Reed, Michael Bernard, Catherine Babbitt, Bettina Richardson and Julian Martinez. I had looked forward to your courtroom performance—maybe next time. And thanks to the many people in that department who smiled as they saw me in the halls and made me feel welcome and at home.
In the Bexar County court systems, thanks to Gary Gauntt in the records department and Rachel Rushton, Alice Gonzales, Beatrice Gonzales and Gloria Tamayo in the district clerk’s office.
A special thanks to Sergeant Shawn Palmer who proved, once again, that the Texas Rangers are an exceptional group of law enforcement professionals—and you are one of the best in that elite group.
And to Detective Sergeant Boyd Wedding—may your rodeo weeks never again be interrupted by the call of duty.
In the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, I send my thanks to Dr. Randall Frost, in the fire marshall’s office to Ted Manganello and in the Bexar County correctional center, Aida Camero with the MATCH/PATCH programs.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to Executive Director Kate Kohl and to Mary Dry of the Heidi Search Center for the special service and comfort they provide to families in our community. I also must thank Kate for her extraordinary patience and openness in explaining the work they did in the Susan McFarland case and the mission of their organization.
Thanks to Havilah Tower at the Texas Council on Family Violence for providing background information. And to the organization itself for their operation of the National Domestic Violence Hotline—800-799-SAFE.
Many thanks to neighbors, friends and acquaintances of the McFarland family including Debbie Anderson, Margot Cromack, Dee Ann Dowlen, Karen Hardeman, Carrie and Steve Miller, Molly Matthews, Mimi Riley, Linda Schlather, and Charlene and Susan Schooling. Thank you for sharing your time and your memories with me.
At Southwestern Bell Corporation, thanks to Gary Long, Phil Rodick and Kevin Jefferies for your input and the tour of Susan’s workplace. I appreciate the time you took out of a very busy week.
And those of you who spoke to me but chose to remain nameless—thank you.
Of course, no acknowledgment section would be complete without thanks to my agent, Jane Dystel; Executive Editor Charles Spicer and editors Emily Drum and Joe Cleemann at St. Martin’s Press; and my ever-patient, always-supportive life partner, Wayne. The five of you made this book possible.
But most of all, I want to thank Susan’s brother, Pete Smith, Susan’s sister, Ann Smith Carr, and Susan’s niece Kirsten Slaughter. Your memories, thoughts and reflections brought Sue to life.