Page 234 of The Silent Appeal

8:27 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Since Sammy was born I worry about everything.

8:33 a.m. Carol wrote:

She’s not home. Her bed hasn’t been slept in and all her things are gone.

8:34 a.m. Carol wrote:

Everything except the cheap phone she bought here. It’s got that bracelet Issy gave her wrapped around it.

Messages from Isabel Beck to Nicky-Rose Dearing on June 6, 2025:

8:29 a.m. Issy wrote:

Hiya!

8:36 a.m. Issy wrote:

OMG! Any more news about the body in the lane?

8:37 a.m. Issy wrote:

I told the paramedics I was a nurse but they said it was too late and wouldn’t let me near it.

8:44 a.m. Issy wrote:

I had to catch the last bus, but saw the news online.

8:45 a.m. Issy wrote:

Makes all that happened onstage seem insignificant.

8:55 a.m. Issy wrote:

How’s Trina? She seemed really nice. Shall we all go out, the three of us together? I’ll ask Denise if she has more beads so I can make her a friendship bracelet too.

8:59 a.m. Issy wrote:

You must be having a lie-in. My first patient (sorry, “customer”) is already here. Earlies, boo!

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Bella Moretti

Date: June 6, 2025

Subject: The Hollow

Dear Mr. MacDonald,

Well, the NADA committee likes to encourage immersive performances, but I didn’t expect the Fairway Players to lay on a real-life murder mystery for my visit. I admit that, at first, I thought that’s exactly what you’d done. I was picking my way down the lane with just my phone flashlight, when I saw a person lying on the ground. As I drew nearer, I realized there was blood everywhere and I thought, hmm, is this why they couldn’t find me a parking space? Perhaps they want me to walk down this deserted lane in the dark and get Kensington Gore all over my shoes! Sadly, that was not the case.

The police officers were lovely and thanked me for calling 999 so promptly. It was a dramatic end to a dramatic evening.

Please thank your lovely wife, Sarah-Jane, for looking after me when I arrived. I understand she had to leave during the first act, but an equally lovely lady called Denise explained your son was having trouble getting your daughter to bed and that she would take over. If there was a prize for courtesy and attentiveness, the Fairway Players would win hands down. Sadly, there is not. Thank you once again for hosting my attendance and best wishes for the remainder of the run.

NB. This email is to express gratitude only and not an invitation for further correspondence regarding the awards.