Page 53 of The Silent Appeal

Who in the world do WE know who would have her new email address?

4:31 p.m. Kevin wrote:

She contacted you a couple of years ago when we were in the newspaper. YOU hold the key to the play’s success.

4:37 p.m. Kevin wrote:

She’ll probably say no. She might have moved too far away. Why would she even want to come back here? But in the interests of the play, and so I know I turned over every stone in the pursuit of a new Gerda, please forward that email address and let me ask Isabel Beck if she’d like to play the role. Please.

4:38 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

For the good of the play.

To: Isabel Beck

From: Kevin MacDonald

Cc: Sarah-Jane MacDonald

Date: January 29, 2025

Subject: Blast from the past

Dear Issy,

As the subject line of this email suggests, I’m leaping into your inbox from the dim and distant past, but far from empty-handed: I have a proposition.

We’re staging The Hollow, a thrilling whodunit by Agatha Christie, play week June 1–8. Rehearsals at the same place, 7:30 for 8 p.m. on Monday nights and some Wednesdays. I’m directing and Sarah-Jane is producing.

It’s been in rehearsal for a month, but there’s a part I just can’t seem to fill. A new girl took it on but lost confidence. Then I asked around the whole group, with no luck. Even our most dependable understudies don’t want to take it on, heaven only knows why. Other local groups all seem to have picked large-cast plays that require all their actors. Finally, I dredged up an ancient mailing list and took a punt. Your automatic reply pinged back, Sarah-Jane mentioned your recent email, and bingo!

Things may have ended trickily the last time you were here, but if you still have your passion and enthusiasm for the stage, I’m very happy to offer you the part.

The group has changed since the old days. We’re a democracy now. Sarah-Jane and I are elected cochairs and there’s a written constitution that determines how the group is run. Everyone is friendly and we get along like the proverbial burning house.

If you’re within realistic traveling distance, are available over the next few months, and would like to be in the play, please let me know. We are practically at the point of despair.

Kevin MacDonald, Committee cochair and director

Message exchange between Sarah-Jane and Kevin MacDonald on January 29, 2025:

4:59 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Could you sound any more desperate?

5:00 p.m. Kevin wrote:

I AM desperate. There’s no one left to ask and if she doesn’t jump aboard we’re looking at another month closer to play week without a Gerda and less time for a new one to bed in.

5:00 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

I have misgivings.

5:00 p.m. Kevin wrote:

Make them your friends.

5:01 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote: