Page 89 of The Silent Appeal

She’s such a lovely girl, she should get on the dating apps and find someone before it’s too late. After all, that’s what you did and even though Mark is a bit creepy, he seems to be sticking around at least. Mum

To: Marianne Payne

From: Karen Payne

Date: February 14, 2025

Subject: Re: Fran

MUM! There’s more! Fran just had a delivery of red roses! A big bunch in a plastic bag of water from a proper florist, not a supermarket. All the girls in the office are excited for her. She hasn’t said who they’re from, but when they were in their weekly management meeting, I crept into her office and saw the card with my own eyes. It had a big question mark on it. Who do you think sent them? Karen

To: Marianne Payne

From: Karen Payne

Date: February 14, 2025

Subject: Re: Fran

And Mum, Mark’s dad is an undertaker, his granddad was an undertaker, his aunts and uncles are all undertakers except his uncle Tony, who’s a coffin-maker. He’s been around death his whole life and hopes to take over the business with his brother. He has a skilled and valuable role in society. IT’S NOT CREEPY!

To: Denise Malcolm

From: Joyce Walford

Date: February 14, 2025

Subject: My Barry

Barry came back from the garage in his lunch hour with a plastic rose. Myra was giving Kahleesi a bottle. He knelt down where Arya was playing, handed him the rose, said, “Give that to your mum.” So Arya toddles off and gives it to her. Turns out there’s a box taped to the stem and inside she finds an engagement ring. Don’t know where he got the cash for that, but he’s been working nights at a club these last few weeks.

Weddings cost a fortune, Denise. Joyce

To: Joyce Walford

From: Denise Malcolm

Date: February 14, 2025

Subject: Re: My Barry

Well, congratulations, Joyce! Or should I say “mother-of-the-groom-to-be”? How lovely to have them married and the little ones can be part of it too! All you need now is for Nick to find someone and they’ll both be off your hands. Denise

Message exchange between Fran Elroy-Jones and Rev. Joshua Harries on February 14, 2025:

3:01 p.m. Fran wrote:

I received a bunch of beautiful roses today.

3:03 p.m. Josh wrote:

Did they make you happy?

3:03 p.m. Fran wrote:

They did.

3:05 p.m. Josh wrote: