Silence the Dead

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It is said that truth is sometimes best told through fiction.

Mary Jane Reed was born on November 15, 1930. She died on June 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, 1948.

It was Ted Gregory’s reporting in the Chicago Tribune that began, for me, a search for the sense in two long-forgotten unsolved murders, an aftermath that reverberates to this day, and one mayor’s relentless quest for justice. Dare we let our nation’s newspapers struggle, really?

It was Mayor Mike Arians’s story, of course, and the courage, tenacity, and patience he took to chase it, learn it, tell it, challenge it and defend it that became the truth behind much, but not all, of the fiction. It was Marge Craig’s story, and June Arians’s story, as well.

Warren Reed gave me the trust to show the youngest child’s perspective of a family traumatized by murder, conspiracy, incompetence, and indifference.

Patrick Riley, Mary Anne Bigane, and Joe Bigane read the draft and gave me the guidance to do better. Gaylord Villers corrected me about bullets, and Don Rowley set up a strange interview.

John Silbersack showed me where to fix what was wrong.

Kate Lyall-Grant gave me enthusiasm! Sara Porter gave me great edits.

And Susan gave me encouragement, love and care to help me make this, as with everything else in my life, worthy.