Page 109 of The Silent Appeal

11:54 a.m. Issy wrote:

GASP!! I’d love to! I’m supposed to be working till six, boo, but I’ll ask my friend if she’ll swap so I can leave at four.

12:03 p.m. Issy wrote:

Yay! She’s agreed! I thought she would because I said I’d do her three earlies next week and she HATES mornings. It takes twenty minutes on the bus and there’s one scheduled at 4:07, getting me to Squires by 4:30. But don’t worry, if it takes longer than usual, I’ll let you know. You won’t have to sit on your own for long.

12:14 p.m. Nicky-Rose wrote:

Squires, 4:30 p.m.

3:59 p.m. Issy wrote:

I’ve just left work and am running to the bus stop in case it’s early.

4:06 p.m. Issy wrote:

I can see the bus! Yay!

4:08 p.m. Issy wrote:

On the bus! I’ve sat on the lower deck this time (even though I prefer the top) so I can dart out as soon as it stops in Lockwood.

4:14 p.m. Issy wrote:

We’re at the Apprentice roundabout. On time so far.

4:15 p.m. Issy wrote:

They say the Apprentice was deliberately burned down for the insurance money.

4:18 p.m. Issy wrote:

Past the Ford dealership where my boss has her car serviced.

4:21 p.m. Issy wrote:

We’re at the Counting House that has a blue plaque because a corn dealer lived there in the seventeenth century. It’s a Montessori nursery now.

4:24 p.m. Issy wrote:

I can see the Lockwood clocktower! Right on time. Hope you’re not feeling awkward sitting there on your own.

4:26 p.m. Issy wrote:

Passing the church and church hall! This is where I get off for Fairways, but I’ll stay on one more stop for Squires.

4:27 p.m. Issy wrote:

How funny! Fran is sitting outside the church hall in her car. She lives on Haywood Heights, so I wonder why she’s here on a Thursday? Then again, she goes to that church, so maybe there’s an event on.

4:28 p.m. Issy wrote:

Lucky I sat down here as I’d never have spotted her if I’d sat upstairs as usual.

4:28 p.m. Issy wrote:

About to jump off! See you in three minutes!