Page 63 of The Silent Appeal

Sorry, yes, just speaking to someone. Here now.

Message exchange between Lucas Stibson and Barry Walford on February 3, 2025:

9:55 p.m. Lucas wrote:

Hey bro you good for Wednesday?

9:55 p.m. Barry wrote:

You bet

9:56 p.m. Lucas wrote:

Safe

9:56 p.m. Barry wrote:

Safe bro

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Isabel Beck

Date: February 3, 2025

Subject: OMG!

Hiya Kevin!

Yay! Free water! I took two bottles and hope that’s okay. They are very small after all. Tried one on the bus home. It has a bit of an aftertaste but that’s probably the “homeopathic botanical extracts to promote calmness and well-being.” Well, I’m buzzing so much after my first rehearsal I’ll need a bucket of them to get me to sleep!

I was a bit nervous about being back at Fairways, but it’s like I’ve never been away—except some things have changed, and so have I. Pity I couldn’t find Fran during tea break. We need a good old catch-up! Haven’t spoken to the new people yet, but hope to get round to it at some point.

You, SJ, Joyce, Denise, John, Marianne, Celia, Beth, and Joel are all the same, except BIGGER somehow. It’s like the Haywards made everyone else seem small and now they’ve gone, everyone else has had a chance to grow. Does that sound mad?

Anyway, I’m emailing to say how much I love Gerda and can’t wait to play her on the Fairways’ stage. And to thank you SO much for asking me back. But I expect you’re very busy with your job and the play and I shouldn’t take up your time. Plus it’s late and I’ve got work in the morning.

The show WILL go on! Love Issy xxxx

P.S. I’ll learn my lines every day. I won’t let you down this time.

Charlotte

Issy’s return makes me uneasy.

Femi

Her contacts are all blocked on my phone. Just double-checked.

Charlotte

Any thoughts so far?

Femi

I’m looking at the newcomers. Nicky-Rose arrived with just a tote bag, but it’s not the only baggage she brought with her.

Charlotte