Chief Crown Prosecutor Paul Carver, who patiently answered my questions about the Crown’s criminal justice process;

Senior Crown Prosecutor Susan MacKay, who gave me an inside look at her work—and made me admire her even more;

Defense lawyer Michael Aaron Crystal, who offered guidance, wisdom and encouragement; and

Defense lawyer Michelle James, who was gracious enough to meet me and provide her insights and experience.

Any and all mistakes are mine, and I apologize in advance to those who shared their expertise with me.

My thanks to Nancy Cassidy of The Red Pen Coach, who gave EXPLOITED its first read-through.

I am deeply grateful to Julia Carver, who provided invaluable insight about the character and plot arcs of this book. She helped reset my course. If that weren’t enough, she conceptualized and produced the most fantastic book trailers for the re-launch of my series.

On a personal note, in 2013, I was jogging at Point Pleasant Park when a large dog took me out at the knees in a “football tackle.” It has been a long recovery from that accident, and I was still receiving treatment throughout the writing of EXPLOITED. The compassion and care that has been shown to me has moved me many times. I give my deepest thanks to:

Dr. Gina Burgess;

David Kachan;

Dr. Michael Gross;

Dr. Scott MacLean;

Dr. Wayne Maillet;

Dr. George Majaess; and

Jacinte Armstrong, my Pilates trainer, who has kept me able to write.

I am truly grateful.

As I am to my friends and family. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.