Page 164 of The Silent Appeal

Date: April 28, 2025

Subject: Re: Hi

You said not to reply, but how are you? Have you ended things with the married man? I don’t want to judge, but that’s not what anyone would want for you. They don’t leave their wives, and when they do, that just causes more problems. Seen it before. Not the way to start a new relationship. Stu x

To: Stuart Kinsella

From: Nicky-Rose Dearing

Date: April 28, 2025

Subject: Re: Hi

You sound like an old woman! Since when did you join the morality police? It’s not a relationship. Just having fun for a bit. Plans are in action, all good. Nix x

To: Isabel Beck

From: Mardien Chierakul

Date: April 28, 2025

Subject: Fran Elroy-Jones

Dear Issy,

How are you? I hope you’re well. I’m aware we haven’t been in contact since your case was closed in 2023, but something has been brought to my attention.

I understand you recently gave a gift to Fran Elroy-Jones, a friendship bracelet with the words “love issy” spelled out in beads. The restraining order Ms. Elroy-Jones was granted back in 2021 has expired, but it can easily be renewed. However, fortunately she has chosen to contact me before she takes legal action.

Fran wishes you to know that while she bears no ill will toward you and accepts that you are both part of the same community drama group, she does not wish to reestablish your friendship, and finds actions such as secretly placing a gift in her bag to be inappropriate and controlling.

I agreed to act as unofficial mediator so your roles in the upcoming play can continue. She has given me the bracelet and I will put it in an envelope and deliver it to your address, which I understand is the same as when I worked on your case.

Issy, I hope very much that you’re happy and managing to control the sorts of behaviors that got you into trouble before. We spoke about recognizing red flags for limerent obsession and compiled a list of things you can do to minimize its impact on your life. Are you keeping a journal? Do you still attend the support group?

If you’d like to organize a follow-up appointment with me, it can be arranged. Just call the office number above.

Best wishes,

Mardien Chierakul

Key social worker, Adult Mental Health

To: Rev. Josh Harries

From: Fran Elroy-Jones

Date: April 28, 2025

Subject: Fairway Players

Dearest Josh,

Hope you check your emails before work. I give them bland titles just in case she looks at your phone.

Feel really down today. It might be that I’m overtired, or the stress of what happened at the sleep out. Amelia was discharged last night, but she’s exhausted and on strong painkillers. Lucas had to carry her upstairs to the flat. I worry about fire safety—how will she get down in an emergency? She’s stuck in that room with Georgia, who’s surly and unhelpful at the best of times.

I wonder if I should offer them my flat while Amelia recovers? I could switch to the studio for a couple of weeks. It’s closer to the vicarage too, which would be a bonus. What do you think?