I dedicate this to all the women, now and throughout history, in every nation of the world, who have been treated as second-class citizens or nothing more than a servant, in all ways possible. The crime which this novel addresses is one of the most heinous that can be perpetrated against, primarily, women. While the “actions” that are taken by the victims in this fictional story are certainly illegal and should only be used as a last resort, when men or the courts refuse to act swiftly and with appropriate punishment, they are not an unreasonable reaction of a victim. While I don’t endorse violence of any kind, I certainly understand and sympathize with any victim of any crime who can’t get satisfactory support from those who are empowered to protect and defend us: the courts and law enforcement officials.