Over the years, working behind the scenes, producing too many news stories to count, I have often wondered what it would be like to be “on-air” talent, standing or sitting in front of the television camera. To be sure, it looks glamorous. Millions of eyes are fixed on the correspondent’s face as she delivers the latest news. But as the reporter gazes into the dark camera lens and talks to the unseen audience, she has no idea just who is watching her. What could be going on in some skewed mind out there as she “exposes” herself night after night?
The premise chilled me.
Reporters I asked said they tried not to think about unstable people watching them. They couldn’t do their jobs, they said, if they spent their time worrying about “the nuts.” They claimed they pushed from their minds the knowledge there were viewers who became fixated on them. Yet, without exception, each had experiences with obsessive fans, some in very unlikely places, and the bizarre lengths to which those “fans” were willing to go. Some stalkers were sick, some just plain evil, but all wanted to get too close.
Newswomen and friends Liz Flock, Bobbi Harley and Elizabeth Kaledin shared some stories with me that left me slack-jawed. I thank them for the seeds that germinated into this book.
My sincere thanks to Stan Romaine, Director of CBS Corporate Security, for taking the time to answer my questions about what a television network does to protect its threatened personnel and for being extremely generous in sharing his expertise on what steps are taken to catch a stalker. Stan recounted some mesmerizing stories, but the twinkle in his eye left me feeling that he just scratched the surface. He knows much more than he can tell. But I’m awefully glad he was willing to give me his tutorial.
Christina Weisberg, makeup artist and resplendent, delightful character herself, provided the raw makeup material and insight necessary to fashion the fictional character of Doris Brice. I could never do you justice, Christina, but I tried.
Joy Blake, once again, helped me with her knowledge of the intracacies of real estate transactions. Her professional expertise is appreciated, but her friendship is treasured.
By now, criminal attorney Joseph Hayden must be sick of the telephone calls asking what the legal ramifications of my character’s actions are, but he has the good grace not to show it. Thank you, Joe.
Linda Karas gave the world’s best tour of London in record time. She is one of the fastest thinkers I know and always has helpful ideas when I run problems past her. Together, we started out in the news business many moons ago and, over the years, Linda has been a source of strength, comfort and great fun.
Webmaster Colleen Kenny worked hard to get www.maryjaneclark.com up and running. This, in addition to always being there for me and my children. How fortunate I’ve been to have you, Col!
For a priest, Father Paul Holmes plays an excellent devil’s advocate. As the deadline loomed closer, Paul made himself available to help in ways both great and small . . . from brainstorming sessions to research assistance to deciphering my handwritten scrawl and entering those last minute changes into the master document. Father Holmes is the answer to this writer’s prayers . . . a heaven-sent independent editor.
Eva’s mommy, Laura Dail, is also, lucky for me, my tireless, devoted and enthusiastic agent. Time after time, Laura goes above and beyond the job description for a literary agent. I so appreciate that you run those extra miles, Laura. Thank you, too, for your insights on the Guatemalan people and help with the Spanish language.
The input of Jennifer Enderlin, my new editor, definitely made this a better book. Jen was instrumental in ratcheting up the suspense and I’m grateful for her focus on this project and for the special attention of Sally Richardson, Matthew Shear, John Murphy, and Linda McFall. The St. Martin’s crew has been very good to me.
And finally, thank you to my patient family and dear friends. It is my great joy to be Close to You.