Page 223 of The Silent Appeal

Subject: Re: Georgia

Dear Fran,

I don’t know what story that girl has told you, but I never threw her out.

She can come back here whenever she wants, but she’d rather freeload off people who don’t tell her to get a job, a life, and her own bloke.

She’s a stubborn little mule and thinks lover boy will leave his wife this way. I gave up trying to tell her months ago. When she realizes she’s on her own with a kid, she’ll be back and we’ll get through it. Secretly looking forward to having a little one here again, but don’t tell her that.

Thank you for helping her out, you’re very kind, but you don’t have to. I’ve been sending her £800 a month, which I hope you’ve seen some of as she’s living in your flat. I’m not betting on it though. Thanks for letting me know, Sally-Ann

Message exchange between Fran Elroy-Jones and Amelia Stibson on June 4, 2025:

5:00 p.m. Fran wrote:

I don’t want to cause trouble between you three, but did you know Georgia’s mum is sending her £800 a month?

5:00 p.m. Amelia wrote:

WTF? How do YOU know?

5:03 p.m. Fran wrote:

At the flat yesterday I found an email address and wanted to see if I could kickstart a conversation between them, maybe persuade her to take Georgia back. I hate seeing what she’s doing to you two.

5:06 p.m. Fran wrote:

Her mum’s just replied and mentioned the money. She sounds lovely and says Georgia can go home any time.

5:10 p.m. Amelia wrote:

The fucking little LIAR! She should be paying us rent!

5:11 p.m. Fran wrote:

Well, technically she’s in MY flat.

5:15 p.m. Amelia wrote:

That girl has played the pov card all year. I’ll tell Lucas. He’ll have to kick her out after this, even if he doesn’t get any cash out of her.

5:15 p.m. Fran wrote:

Please can that be after the play? We need our prompt safely backstage for all three nights, and not on a train home. Yet.

To: Rev. Josh Harries

From: Fran Elroy-Jones

Date: June 4, 2025

Subject: So tired

Dear Josh,

It’s dress rehearsal tonight and my usual play week headache has arrived, thanks to the tension and tiredness. The tablets I was prescribed during the last play are still in date, so I’ve got them on hand. Must stay hydrated, too, so thank goodness for free bottles of Bliss Bubbles in the green room!

Please tell me you’ll be in the lane when I get there tonight. We’re running through the play as if it were an actual performance, so the interval will be at 8:45 p.m.