Page 83 of The Silent Appeal

1:45 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

She did Blithe Spirit and stood in for a bit part in All My Sons back in the day, that’s all. Latches onto the unwary.

1:46 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Kevin panicked about finding a Gerda. He did a hook-and-haul, dragged her back. Did Mum tell you what happened here? She was at the center of it.

1:47 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

A leech in a mouse-suit.

1:47 p.m. Nicky-Rose wrote:

She’s invited me for coffee.

1:47 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

DON’T GO!

To: Isabel Beck

From: Nicky-Rose Dearing

Date: February 12, 2025

Subject: Re: My sculpture

Sure, let’s meet at Squires, their coffee is fair-trade and organic. Text me when you’re around. Happy to talk about cruise life, but prepare for your illusions to be shattered. NR

Message exchange between Nick and Barry Walford on February 12, 2025:

2:12 p.m. Nick wrote:

Mum says you’re working on the door at Lunar.

2:12 p.m. Barry wrote:

Three nights a week.

2:13 p.m. Nick wrote:

Packed in the garage job?

2:15 p.m. Barry wrote:

Doing both. Need the coin. Doing our heads in living with Mum.

2:15 p.m. Nick wrote:

Pay well?

2:15 p.m. Barry wrote:

2:22 p.m. Nick wrote:

Some kid jumped in the canal last Saturday. Walked calmly to the bridge and did a dive. Couldn’t swim. He’d been at Lunar just before.

2:25 p.m. Barry wrote: