Page 129 of The Silent Appeal

5:46 p.m. Kevin wrote:

You said it, Myra.

Message exchange between Isabel Beck and Nicky-Rose Dearing on April 26, 2025:

5:46 p.m. Issy wrote:

I’m on the bus. Are you driving to the hall?

5:48 p.m. Issy wrote:

I’ve never slept in a church hall before. Have you?

5:54 p.m. Issy wrote:

I’m going to give you a present tomorrow. No spoilers, but I think you’ll like it!

5:55 p.m. Issy wrote:

What time is the line rehearsal?

5:55 p.m. Issy wrote:

It’s 6:45 in the green room.

5:56 p.m. Issy wrote:

I’ve got iced coffee in my flask so I can stay awake for longer. I made it with instant coffee, so it isn’t as nice, but it reminds me of our meetings at Squires. Do you make iced coffee at home?

5:57 p.m. Issy wrote:

See you soon.

6:01 p.m. Nicky-Rose wrote:

To: Lucas Stibson

From: Fran Elroy-Jones

Date: April 26, 2025

Subject: Delicate matter

Hi Lucas,

Sorry to email you at work. I was hoping to have a discreet word at the sleep out tonight, but just found out you’re not coming. I should’ve realized Saturday is your busiest night. It’s probably best I put this in writing, anyway, so you can consider my words in your own time.

I’ve been counseling you since your trouble, and by default Amelia too, so can’t help but be invested in your happiness and success. I appreciate you joining Fairways so Amelia can meet people and rediscover her old hobby. However, I wonder if you might consider the impact your current living situation is having on her?

That studio flat is barely big enough for two people let alone three, so the fact Georgia is squeezed in with you both, and has been for so long now (three months, at least?) is really not ideal. I know she’s your cousin, and we must all support family, but Amelia is your wife and her well-being is important too, arguably more so than Georgia’s, who I assume has parents and other relatives who could take her in. After helping her for this long, no one can accuse you of not doing your bit.

Amelia is putting off getting a job herself, and I’m sure a large part of that is because she hates the thought of Georgia being alone in the flat during the day. She’s subconsciously defending her territory by not leaving it (perhaps Georgia is doing the same?). Being together all day, every day, is having a debilitating effect on Amelia’s mental health and I’m sure Georgia’s too.

I know you guys have been through so much together, but I’m so proud of the way you’ve come through it and have this chance to build a wonderful life together. I’d hate to see all that progress falter now.

In short, I believe it’s time you asked Georgia to leave the flat. I’m giving you this advice in the spirit of friendship, love, and respect. Fran

To: Fran Elroy-Jones