Page 105 of The Silent Appeal

9:30 p.m. Joyce wrote:

All I hear is Lucas this, Lucas that.

9:30 p.m. Nick wrote:

He’s a good boy.

9:32 p.m. Joyce wrote:

Lucas? He’s a bloody player like your dad. I can see it in his eyes.

9:35 p.m. Nick wrote:

I mean Barry. Gonna ask around about Lunar. We’ll have to get him out of that job if it’s dodgy.

9:41 p.m. Joyce wrote:

Good luck with that. Him and Myra are looking at flats.

9:44 p.m. Nick wrote:

He’s not the brightest bulb in the box and it’s blokes like him get put away while shits like Lucas keep their hands clean. If it’s dodgy, we get him out.

9:46 p.m. Joyce wrote:

He says it’s only for a few months while they scrape a rental deposit together. And I want them out, they’re doing my head in.

To: Dustin Perez

From: Carol Dearing

Date: February 18, 2025

Subject: Last night

Dear Dustin,

Well, I’ve seen some bust-ups at Fairways over the years, but never a tantrum like at Mendhams last night. They’re such divas! Well done for stepping in and calming everyone down. That’ll be your experience in the police. At Fairways a row like that would be gossip for weeks, but the Mendhams had forgotten it by tea break.

Apparently, Maria was once married to Bill, but left him for someone called Tony, who’s no longer in the group. Now Bill’s married to Jane, and although this all happened years ago and was all her doing, Maria behaves as if it was Jane who stole Bill from her. Overheard all this backstage—don’t know anyone well enough yet to be in on the gossip.

You’ve had parts with all the local drama groups, but I’ve been at Fairways so long I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be new and trying to fit in with people who all know each other. They do everything differently and I suppose I’m just not “in with the IN crowd.” That must’ve been how newbies felt at Fairways over the years and now I wish I’d been friendlier. What’s your secret?

On another note, I’m most impressed with the costume lady making everything herself. I’m a woman of a certain age, my bodice had better be forgiving! Carol

To: Carol Dearing

From: Dustin Perez

Date: February 18, 2025

Subject: Re: Last night

Dear Carol,

That was a hissy fit, wasn’t it! As you say, a storm in a teacup that blew over as quickly as it started. I can only guess they’re used to Maria kicking off at the slightest thing; by the end of this play we’ll probably be used to it ourselves…

How do I fit in? I’m here for the drama—not the “drama”—and don’t even try! Thanks again for giving me a lift there and back every week. Much appreciated. Dustin