With a shaking hand, Cameryn turned off her light and pushed back the curtain. She peered outside, her pulse quickening as she searched the ground beneath her window. The moon was bright, casting shadows, throwing the trees into sharp relief. Wind had smoothed a shimmering crust of snow, softening the mounds until they looked like a turtle’s back.

A shadow moved and she realized someone was out there. A figure stood half-hidden behind the arms of an evergreen.

Ping. She looked back at her screen. ICUICUICU.

Her eyes flew to the window. Beneath her, the shape of a male, tall, well muscled, with hair pale in the moonlight, had stepped from the shadow. Staring down, she saw the one face she never wanted to see again.

In the drifting snow stood Kyle O’Neil.

I’d like to thank the many people who helped me explore the forensic field. You have unselfishly shared your knowledge and passion-the glimpse into your world rocked mine! I’m especially grateful to: Thomas M. Canfield, MD, Fellow at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Chief Medical Examiner, Office of Medical Investigations; Kristina Maxfield, Coroner; Robert C. Bux, MD, Coroner, Medical Examiner, Forensic Pathologist; David L. Bowerman, Coroner, Forensic Pathologist, Dawn Miller, Deputy Coroner; Werner Jenkins, Chief Forensic Toxicologist; Chris Clarke, Forensic Toxicologist; Sandy Way, Administrator, El Paso County Coroner’s Office; Sheriff Sue Kurtz, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office; Melody Skinner, Administrative Assistant, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office; Thomas Carr, Archaeologist, Colorado Historical Society; Richard Nanney, Douglas County Coroner Investigator; Sandy Graeff, Elbert County Coroner; Robert Brown, Agent-in-Charge, Colorado Bureau of Investigations; Jackie Kerwin, Silverton Librarian; Deb Cummins; Corporal Jacob Dunlop, Durango Police Department; and a special thanks to Robert Scott Mackey, D-ABMDI Deputy Coroner-an inspiriting professional and my conduit into a macabre world.

Alane Ferguson is the author of the Edgar Award Nominee The Christopher Killer and The Angel of Death-the first two books about Cameryn Mahoney-as well as numerous novels and mysteries, including the Edgar Award- winning Show Me the Evidence. She does intensive research for her books, attending autopsies and interviewing forensic pathologists as she delves into the fascinating world of medical examiners.

Ms. Ferguson lives with her husband, Ron, near the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. For more information about Ms. Ferguson and her books, please visit www.alaneferguson.com.