Page 162 of The Silent Appeal

1:28 p.m. Amelia wrote:

On morphine. Leg in a boot. Waiting for Fran.

1:29 p.m. Kevin wrote:

Top stuff. Sounds as if you’re on the mend.

1:36 p.m. Amelia wrote:

They said I shouldn’t put weight on it for at least a week.

1:38 p.m. Kevin wrote:

A week? Well, that’s wonderful! The play’s not for six weeks! Thanks, Amelia, you’ve made my day and Sarah-Jane’s, who sends her best regards.

1:43 p.m. Amelia wrote:

How will I get up the stairs to the flat? Hadn’t even thought about the play. If you see Lucas, tell him to call me?

To: The Fairway Players mailing list

From: Kevin MacDonald

Date: April 27, 2025

Subject: Thank you

Dear all,

Well done and congratulations to everyone who turned up, tuned in, and slept out last night. If you feel as lethargic and bleary-eyed as I do, then our mission is accomplished! We’ve had a small taste of what it’s like to be genuinely homeless, and to try and sleep with all manner of irritating disturbances all night long.

Speaking of disturbances, some of you may be wondering how Amelia is. To cut a long story short, Amelia hurt her leg and as a precaution was whisked away to the hospital. Well, the good news is, she’s been thoroughly patched up and will be back on her feet very soon, which is excellent news for the play.

I’m also delighted to confirm that we’ve raised £700. A decent 74 percent of our ambitious £1000 target. Only a measly 25 percent to go. Fairway Players, we can do it: Send out a quick email to your circle and let’s raise that grand and put a stop to homelessness.

It just remains for me to say a big thank-you to everyone who helped make the Big Sleep Out a night of fun and laughter. To Joyce, Mick, Marianne, Denise, and Carol who all, at one point or another, cooked and served food. To Celia and Joel, who ran the games and tournaments, and Emma, who held a very welcome yoga class. To Denise and Marianne for their crafting expertise and to Fran for leading the singing and helping calm down the little ones after Father Josh’s ghost story proved more chilling than anyone anticipated. However, I reserve my most boundless praise for my lovely assistant director, Nicky-Rose, who held a most productive word rehearsal and helped wherever help was required.

Last but not least, may I say a big thank-you to everyone who showed up and threw themselves into the evening, making it one of the Fairway Players’ most successful fundraising appeals. However, now it’s over we are free to concentrate exclusively on The Hollow, which is a mere six weeks away.

I’ll see everyone at rehearsal tomorrow night… sleep well! Kevin

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Celia Halliday

Date: April 27, 2025

Subject: Re: Thank you

We’ve raised £735.00, which is 73.5 percent of our target, making the remainder 26.5 percent. I’m surprised you would get something so simple so wrong, seeing as the JustGiving page is quite clear, plus you have your own company and must surely do such calculations regularly.

Are we braced for a legal claim from Amelia? If a light had fallen on Beth’s leg, I would most definitely encourage her to pursue damages.

Whose idea was it for Rev. Josh to tell a ghost story? I remember us Guides used to scare each other with tales of the Lockwood Lane Shadow Man back in the seventies, but I never believed it and have lived here all my life without noticing any ghosts flitting about. I’m surprised a man of the church entertains such nonsense, let alone considers it appropriate entertainment for others. See you at rehearsal tomorrow. Celia

Message exchange between Sarah-Jane and Kevin MacDonald on April 27, 2025:

4:11 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote: