by Bourne, Sam
I’m also indebted to the many lawyers and experts I spoke to for this book, starting with my Guardian colleague Alexandra Topping who has written so powerfully in this area. Julie Bindel, a veteran campaigner on the issue of violence against women, was both patient and generous in sharing her insights. Hadley Freeman and Rachel Burns were kind enough to read an early draft, both offering characteristically shrewd advice. I also want to say a special word of thanks to the poet and writer Lemn Sissay, who talked to me with great candour about his own experience of rejection at the hands of a foster family he had loved.
Once again, Alex Hern, tech guru for the Guardian, was an astute guide around the digital realm, while the indefatigable Rob Evans advised on the tricky business of false identity. Gary Copson and Kate London allowed me to benefit from their huge experience of police work. I am grateful too to my old friend and legal sage, James Libson.
There is a posse of comrades who have helped me before and helped me again. My thanks to Steve Coombe, who is unwaveringly generous with his expertise in matters of security and tradecraft, and to Jonathan Cummings for his frankly uncanny ability to uncover even the most elusive fact.
I could not be more grateful to the team at Quercus for their patience and wise counsel, with special mention to Jon Butler, Stefanie Bierwerth, Laura Soppelsa and Hannah Robinson: I feel lucky to be in their hands. Rhian McKay has the keenest copy editor’s eye in the business, Sharona Selby offered a proofreader’s eagle-eye, and Viola Hayden at Curtis Brown provided some very perceptive advice.
The origin of this novel was a brief news item spotted by my agent and friend Jonny Geller: he continues to be the rock that I, like so many writers, rely on.
Lastly, a word to my family. Sarah, Jacob and Sam bring constant love and joy into my life. Whatever gloom there might be in the wider world, they make our home a place of sunshine and laughter. I cherish them more each day.
Table of Contents
To Kill a Man
Also By
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
MONDAY Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
TUESDAY Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
WEDNESDAY Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
THURSDAY Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
FRIDAY Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
SATURDAY Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
MONDAY Chapter 48
Acknowledgements
