Читать книгу Hometown Killer - Carol J. Rothgeb - Страница 6

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am so grateful to my family and my friends for their incredible support and encouragement (and patience) during the writing of this book—especially my children, Jeanne, David, and Dana, who never seemed to doubt that I could do it.

To my granddaughters—Mallory, Chelsea, Miranda, and Sarah: you can make your dreams come true.

Chief Steve Moody, Sergeant Barry Eggers, Sergeant Michael Haytas, and Captain Rapp became my heroes—and my friends—during this time. They seemed to recognize the sincerity and passion I had to complete this task, and they embraced me and opened their hearts and memories to me.

I deeply regret that I never had the chance to meet Sergeant Al Graeber, but through the eyes of others who were fortunate enough to know him, I can see that he, too, was a hero.

Steve Schumaker is a very interesting man. In fact, one of the most interesting I’ve ever met. He, too, was extremely helpful and forthcoming.

“I will be forever grateful to all of them” sounds like a cliché, but I mean every word of it.

To Rocky: thank you for encouraging me to “go for it.”

To Artie, Lynn, Dave and Shirley, Dick and Dari: I thank you for being “family.” And for being interested. And just for being there.

Thank you, Linda and Tammy, for your flexibility, making it possible for me to attend William Sapp’s trial. And for your understanding and support.

To the “smoking room” at the Springfield News-Sun: I know there must have been times you got tired of listening, but you did anyway—and understood. Thank you for helping me through the “ups and downs.”

And to all “the other people” at the Springfield News-Sun: thank you for your enthusiasm and support.

To Wes: thank you for keeping me informed of hearing and trial dates, etc., especially your phone call the night the jury recommendation came in.

To my agents—Ron and Mary Lee Laitsch of Authentic Creations Literary Agency: a standing ovation . . . you’re the greatest!

To Ann LaFarge, my editor: Three cheers! I have truly enjoyed working with you!

And to the victims’ family members: thank you. . . .