Walker hung up and told his team. The cheer rattled the Venetian blinds and somebody’s cap crossed the room like a frisbee. Walker went up to Pat North – he knew Satchell too well to say anything to him. He shook Pat’s hand.

  ‘Congratulations, Detective Inspector,’ Walker said. ‘I look forward to working with you again.’

  Pat North smiled. Yes, she thought, it’s been a hell of an experience, and some of it was just plain hell. But she was glad she’d done it.

  CHAPTER 31

  DUNN KICKED at the hard-backed solitary chair, then he picked it up and threw it against the wall. He tore the mattress off the bunk bed. He tried to rip it apart, then he couldn’t get his breath. He kept on clawing at his shirt where the tie they had given him had been. Even the open collar felt as if it was throttling him. It was the terrible rage of his own guilt slowly surfacing, and he began punching himself, slapping his face, ramming and hitting his head against the wall as the rage consumed him in agony. It was the same rage that had swept over him when she, Julie Harris, had begun screaming, had almost bitten his fingers as he closed her mouth. No one had heard his screams, so she had to be silenced, just as his abusers had silenced him. A rope round her neck, not too tight, only to frighten her, then he would carry her some place, hide her, as they had hidden him. There was nothing wrong. He hadn’t done anything wrong. He had done nothing that hadn’t been done to him. He was innocent. He didn’t do it. His voice screeched into a howl. Spittle formed in globules at the edge of his mouth as he repeated over and over again: ‘I didn’t do it. I didn’t do it.’

  His own voice sounded hollow and empty, as empty as Belinda Sinclair’s beautiful eyes when she had left his cell.

  ‘I didn’t do it. I didn’t do it.’

  There had been such pain, such disgust in her soft, musical voice. It had cut through his brain like a jagged knife.

  ‘Yes, you did, Michael. Yes, you did.’

  Michael Frederick Dunn was guilty but he was also a wretched, tragic young man who had learned as a child that if he did cry out no one would listen. No one had ever been punished for their crimes against him. He had never understood that what had been done to him was wrong . . . until it was too late.

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Trial and Retribution was originally a television series, launching on screens twenty-five years ago, following the success of Prime Suspect and The Governor. I wrote the novels as the TV series progressed – six books alongside twelve television series – and both were a phenomenal success. Trial and Retribution was nominated for several BAFTA TV Awards as well as an RTS Television Award, with millions of viewers from start to finish.

  But it was the pioneering use of split screen that defined the show’s legacy and perhaps its success. While researching the series, I found myself increasingly interested in the criminal justice system and – my lifelong fascination – the forensic sciences. I spent considerable time in the forensic laboratories, where I was fortunate to carefully observe a scientist going about their work. There was one particular visit to the laboratory that inspired the split screen technique. As I watched a single hair being carefully removed from around a button on a suspect’s garment, I was fascinated – but I realised that to use this on screen in real time for it to be authentic would considerably slow the dramatic pace. Using multiple perspectives allowed the audience to appreciate the time-consuming work of the forensic scientists that continued while the investigation was ongoing.

  However when I pitched not only the concept of Trial and Retribution but the fact I wanted to incorporate split screens it was not met with much interest. The then head of commissioning drama at ITV was Nick Elliott. He shook his head and said that he doubted it could work as some homes would not have large TV screens so they would not be able to follow the action in the small section of screen. I pointed out that I felt to the contrary, having witnessed at many a bingo game, a range of players from middle age to elderly using six to eight cards at once – surely no more a challenge for them than following split-screen action.

  Trial and Retribution was commissioned! Next, I needed to find a director who could not only understand my split screen directions but also realise that it would mean extra filming, as it would require extensive footage. I chose Aisling Walsh, who worked with me on the prison series The Governor, to begin the pre-production. We made many tests of exactly how the split screen would work and found that we could multiply and at times use diagonal screening. It became imperative for me to be constantly aware of keeping the pace and focus on the main action.

  The edit period for the series was very lengthy due to the amount of extra footage, and the exact placing of the splits. It was to begin with trial and error until we found the exact placing in a scene to open a split screen. The more we worked together the more exciting it became as we were really making a breakthrough style never before seen on TV.

  I was very fortunate to discover the wonderful actress Helen McCrory to play the leading role, and to have Corin Redgrave as the prosecutor. One day we were filming Corin’s lengthy closing speech with three cameras running at the same time so we could capture footage for split-screen reaction from the jury and the accused while maintaining the speech in its entire length. Having managed this in a single take, the reaction from the cast and crew was unanimous applause.

  The cast for Trial and Retribution was led by a really very special actor called David Hayman. With his constant professionalism and encouragement of younger actors joining the series, he was a joy to work with. Always line perfect and with an attention to detail down to the length of ash on a cigarette – a scene can be reshot due to something as small as this type of inconsistency – it was like watching a masterclass.

  Now, twenty-five years on, it’s been a pleasure to revisit the opening case in this first fully revised reissue in the series. The case of missing Julie Ann in the story is as relevant today as it was then. Although the mobile phone has triumphed over the humble fax machine, our justice system is little changed. Our trials still rely on constructing an argument based on evidence to convince a jury of a defendant’s guilt, and trust in the integrity of the police. But when those in power do not play by the rules they set, can justice ever be found?

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you very much for picking up Trial and Retribution, the first book in the series of the same name. Little did I know when I first put pen to paper that this story was the start of a phenomenon that, twenty-five years later, would span a further five books and inspire twelve TV series. I hope you enjoyed reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

  In Trial and Retribution, a mother’s worst nightmare and police officer’s dread is an opportunity for a young rookie solicitor to make her name in a high-profile case. Everyone has a side to the story and a stake in the trial of the decade. But a verdict doesn’t necessarily equal truth when not everyone is playing by the same rules. Do you think that justice was done for victim?

  If you enjoyed Trial and Retribution, then please do keep an eye out for news about the next book in the series, which will be coming soon. And in the meantime, early next year sees the publication of the next book in my new series featuring DC Jack Warr, which I’ll be sharing more information about very soon. The first three books in the Jack Warr series – Buried, Judas Horse and Vanished – are available now so if you enjoyed Trial and Retribution do consider giving these a go.

  And you may also enjoy my Tennison series, which is a prequel series that follows Jane Tennison – the iconic character of my Prime Suspect series – through her early career and landmark cases. I’ve been so pleased by the response I’ve had from the many readers who have been curious about the beginnings of Jane’s police career and it’s been great fun for me to explore how she became the woman we know in middle and later life from the Prime Suspect series. If you want to catch up with the Tennison series, the first eight novels – Tennison, Hidden Killers, Good Friday, Murder Mile, The Dirty Dozen, Blunt Force, Unholy Murder and Dark Rooms – are all available to buy in print, ebook and audio.

  If you would like more information on what I’m working on, about the Jane Tennison thriller series or the new series featuring Jack Warr, you can visit www.bit.ly/LyndaLaPlanteClub where you can join my Readers’ Club. It only takes a few moments to sign up, there are no catches or costs and new members will automatically receive an exclusive message from me. Zaffre will keep your data private and confidential, and it will never be passed on to a third party. We won’t spam you with loads of emails, just get in touch now and again with news about my books, and you can unsubscribe any time you want. And if you would like to get involved in a wider conversation about my books, please do review Trial and Retribution on Amazon, on Goodreads, on any other e-store, on your own blog and social media accounts, or talk about it with friends, family or reader groups! Sharing your thoughts helps other readers, and I always enjoy hearing about what people experience from my writing.

  With many thanks again for reading Trial and Retribution, and I hope you’ll return for the next in the series.

  With my very best wishes,

  Lynda

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Lynda La Plante was born in Liverpool. She trained for the stage at RADA and worked with the National Theatre and RSC before becoming a television actress. She then turned to writing and made her breakthrough with the phenomenally successful TV series Widows. She has written over thirty international novels, all of which have been bestsellers, and is the creator of the Anna Travis, Lorraine Page and Trial and Retribution series. Her original script for the much-acclaimed Prime Suspect won awards from BAFTA, Emmy, British Broadcasting and Royal Television Society, as well as the 1993 Edgar Allan Poe Award.

  Lynda is one of only three screenwriters to have been made an honorary fellow of the British Film Institute and was awarded the BAFTA Dennis Potter Best Writer Award in 2000. In 2008, she was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to Literature, Drama and Charity.

  Join the Lynda La Plante Readers’ Club at

  www.bit.ly/LyndaLaPlanteClub

  www.lyndalaplante.com

  Facebook @LyndaLaPlanteCBE

  Twitter @LaPlanteLynda

  Also by Lynda La Plante

  Jane Tennison series

  Tennison

  Hidden Killers

  Good Friday

  Murder Mile

  The Dirty Dozen

  Blunt Force

  Unholy Murder

  Dark Rooms

  DC Jack Warr series

  Buried

  Judas Horse

  Vanished

  Widows series

  Widows

  Widows’ Revenge

  She’s Out

  For a complete list of Lynda’s works, please visit:

  www.lyndalaplante.com/books

  Keep reading for an extract of Lynda La Plante’s next case for Tennison

  AVAILABLE NOW

  CHAPTER ONE

  ‘Detective Inspector Jane Tennison.’ Jane had repeated it out loud four times, looking at herself in the mirror. She couldn’t help admiring her reflection, enjoying the reality of her new promotion. It hadn’t been easy to get to where she was.

  She hadn’t shared the news with her family yet, deciding that she would go and see them, taking a bottle of celebratory champagne. Her parents had been somewhat confused by the fact that Jane had had to spend almost a year in uniform as part of the promotion process. Although she had tried to explain the reasons, her mother seemed to think she had been demoted, so Jane felt that the less said about it the better.

  Due to her work schedule, she had spent very little time at her new home recently. Moving into the two-bedroom terraced house had been a major step up for her on the property ladder, but the responsibility attached to owning a much larger property was only just beginning to dawn on her. There were a lot of repairs that needed doing, including a persistent electrical fault in the kitchen. She decided that she would make a list of what needed doing. Until she was given the location of the station that she would be working from, she could spend more time focusing on redecorating and organising her new home. She had already made two purchases for the kitchen, a new fridge freezer and a washing machine. After passing the exams, she had been back on shift work and busy running a uniform team. Now, with her promotion and on a higher wage, she was determined to get all the home improvements necessary.

  Jane glanced in the bathroom mirror again before leaving for her parents’. ‘Good evening, I am Detective Inspector Jane Tennison.’ She was secretly bursting with pride and was eager to impart the news.

  *

  Although Jane had a front door key to her parents’ flat in Maida Vale, she rarely used it as she didn’t like to invade their privacy. Before tonight, she’d always called her mother to arrange a visit and had never just turned up. She rang the doorbell and her father pulled open the front door, looking at his daughter with delight.

  ‘This is a surprise!’ He ushered Jane into the hall.

  Through the sitting-room door, Jane could see her parents’ neighbours sitting on the sofa. On the coffee table in front of them was a tray of sherry glasses and neatly cut sandwiches, while the radio had the volume turned up loud.

  ‘Guess who’s here?’ her father called out.

  Rather embarrassed, Jane held up the bottle of Moët & Chandon. Her mother clapped her hands.

  ‘This is wonderful, darling! You know Mr and Mrs Murphy, from the flat above? And the Silvermans from the basement flat are going to be joining us any minute. Why didn’t you call and tell me you were coming over? It’s going to be the most fantastic evening.’

  Jane was feeling distinctly nonplussed. She hadn’t expected her mother to be hosting a gathering. It was clearly neither the time nor the place to announce her promotion.

  ‘Good God!’ her father said as he took the bottle out of Jane’s hand. ‘This is very expensive. I’ll put it in the fridge.’

  ‘Actually, Dad, it’s really for a celebration . . .’

  ‘I quite agree. I’ve never known your mother so enthusiastic about hosting, but she seems to be enjoying herself. Pam and Tony are coming along with the grandchildren as well. Come into the kitchen.’

  As her mother returned to her guests, Jane followed her father into the kitchen as he put her champagne bottle into the fridge.

  ‘Is everything all right, Jane?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, everything’s fine. I was just stopping by for a few minutes to tell you the good news. I’ve been promoted. I’m now Detective Inspector. I wanted to tell you both personally . . .’ She hesitated, then lied. ‘But I was actually just on my way to meet a friend for dinner.’

  ‘Well, that is good news,’ he said, rather unconvincingly.

  ‘I’m waiting to find out which station I’ll be working from. I just wanted you and Mum to know. But I won’t take up any more of your time.’

  ‘Are you sure? You know we have the Silvermans coming up soon? They have a lovely daughter, although I believe their son is in a bit of trouble. Why don’t you just stay for a glass of sherry?’

  ‘No, Dad, I’ll just slip off. I don’t want to intrude any further.’

  He gave a resigned smile. ‘I understand. I think your mother is getting her second wind in life! How is everything at the new house?’

  ‘Fine, thanks. There are a few electrical problems, and I’m having some new kitchen appliances fitted, but I’m just going to take it one step at a time.’

  He nodded. ‘That’s sensible. Just make sure you get a proper professional to do the electrics. Don’t just go for the cheapest. We’ve had a problem with a light switch in the hall for six months. When one of the light bulbs pops, it trips all the lights in the hall. We’ve had two “more than my job’s worth” electricians in organised by the caretaker but neither of them could fix it.’

  ‘I’ll take your good advice, Dad,’ Jane replied, eager to leave.

  By the time she reached her car, she felt a bit foolish for not staying. But the truth was her parents’ friends interrogating her about her work had always made her feel uncomfortable. At least her parents hadn’t asked if she was seeing anyone, as they usually did. The fact was that she had been focusing all her attention on getting promoted and hadn’t had time for a relationship. She was now looking forward to finding out which station she would be attached to and what she’d be working on. As a detective inspector, she was really hoping that she might be assigned to an important case.

  *

  Mrs Tennison couldn’t believe that Jane had left without saying goodbye. Even her husband telling her that she’d only popped round to tell them that she had been promoted didn’t satisfy her.

  ‘I mean, how long has it been since we had one evening with her? I know she’s been very busy, and all this going back into uniform doesn’t really seem to make sense if she’s supposed to have been promoted now.’

  ‘I think she was on her way out to a celebration dinner. She just wanted us to be the first to know her good news,’ Mr Tennison said, trying to appease her.

  He was saved from any further discussion by the doorbell, heralding the arrival of the Silvermans.

  *

  When Jane returned home, she felt depressed. It was a Saturday night, and there were no friends eager to go for a celebratory drink with her. She had been so intent on her work, she had not kept up the friendship with her next-door neighbours, Gerry and Vi, even though to begin with Gerry had been very helpful, offering to do any small jobs she needed. Actually, she had felt he was a bit too nosy. She knew his dog (who had liked to use her gate post to urinate on) had died a few months ago, and she was a bit relieved that this meant his day and evening walks past her house were no longer so frequent. As for the young couple in the house on the other side, she hadn’t met them yet as they appeared to leave very early in the morning and return before she had got home.