Fatal Vows (30 page)

T
his book would not have been possible without the vision of my tireless agent, Jason Anthony, now of Lippincott Massie McQuilkin. Jason supported me every step of the way through the research and writing of this book. His unwavering encouragement, hard work and commitment got me to the finish line. I can’t imagine a more dedicated agent. Thank you, Jason.

Special thanks to Michael Viner, Henrietta Tiefenthaler, Alina Poniewaz and everyone else at Phoenix for welcoming me to my new home. Your commitment to and belief in this book is deeply appreciated.

I am extremely fortunate to have had the assistance of Mary Jean Babic, formerly of Crest Hill. Mary Jean’s experience as a journalist was invaluable to the writing of this book. Thank you so much for getting on the phone with me all of those midnights and helping me dot my “i’s” and cross my “t’s.” Lou, you can have your wife back now.

And now that I got all of you out of the way, I want to thank my mother and father, Dorothy and Joe Hosey, for more than I could ever tell them. And to my sister, Sara Hosey, who has always been there: thanks.

To my girlfriend, Janet Lundquist, I cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work, patience, and kindness, not to mention the typing and tramping through Queen of Heaven cemetery in the rain. You helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. To my daughter, Gracie Hosey, thanks for sitting in my lap and letting me write when I told you daddy had to work. This book is for you.

Alex Beck, you have been a good friend for a long time. Thanks for helping me out with this one, too.

Dan Haar, the metro editor of the
Chicago Sun-Times
, deserves thanks for keeping me on this story. Without Dan’s commitment to covering the case, there would be no book. James Smith of the
Sun-Times
is a great designer and a better friend. Thanks for all of your help.

Dan Rozek,
Sun-Times
reporter, I am glad I got to meet you while covering this. Thanks for all the advice, conversation, and the cookies.

Sharon Bychowski helped me understand Stacy Peterson. Her concern for her and determination to not let her missing friend be forgotten is truly admirable. Thank you, Sharon, for helping me bring Stacy’s story to readers. Candace Aikin and Roy Taylor also helped me fill in the blanks.

I am deeply indebted to the family of Kathleen Savio for their willingness to revisit painful memories in the interest of getting the story right. Anna Marie Doman, Charlie Doman and Melissa Doman: thank you all so much for your time and for your insights.

Bolingbrook Police Chief Ray McGury—thank you for your time and for your trust.

To the police and other officials who helped point me in the right direction and shared their knowledge, even when they were forbidden to, I can’t thank you by name, but you know who you are. So thank you. The same goes for the ones from the other side of the law who took the time to explain their view of events. You know who you are as well. I am equally grateful.

Jody Hotchkiss of Hotchkiss & Associates found a Hollywood home for
Fatal Vows
. Thank you Helen Verno, Judith Verno and Winifred White Neisser at Columbia TriStar Television for your enthusiasm for the project.

I am grateful to Chuck Bretz for his legal insights into the case, and Dr. Philip Bonelli and Diane Wetendorf for their psychological ones.

Bob Darin and Bill Peters, I appreciate your help.

Finally, I must acknowledge Stacy Peterson and Kathleen Savio. Although you are not here to tell your stories, I hope I have done you justice.