Page 175 of The Silent Appeal

We’re really busy with work right now. Kevin had a new accounting system installed and it’s not syncing, so I have to work late every night. Perhaps we could meet up before next Monday’s rehearsal? Although if there’s any hot tea from the sleep out, do spill it… I’ve heard Amelia will be fit enough for the play, thank God.

Have a good week, and thanks again for the bracelet. Nicky-Rose

To: Nicky-Rose Dearing

From: Isabel Beck

Date: April 29, 2025

Subject: Re: Sorry and thanks

Hiya Nicky-Rose!

Yay!! I’m doing a little happy dance around my chair (because the ophthalmoscope is against the wall so the cleaner can vacuum). I’m so pleased you like your friendship bracelet! Who knows how it ended up in Fran’s bag, but nice of her to drop it round to me when she realized.

I was really hoping we could chat yesterday because I’m bursting with tea! But it might be best I tell you by email as no one is going to overhear me that way, are they?

Don’t tell anyone, but I caught Fran kissing Father Josh in the lane between the church hall and the vicarage. OMG! I’d only popped outside for some fresh air and to see if the ghost of Lockwood Lane was around, so you can imagine how shocked I was when I saw them!

I can’t believe Fran (of all people) is having an affair with a married man (of the cloth) right under our noses! She still goes to Sunday service at St. Barnabas, too, which I suppose is where the trouble started. I’ve known her for a long time and she’s always been what my nan used to call “holier than thou.”

OMG it sounds even worse now I’ve typed it out! What should we do? Shall we tell her we know? Love Issy xxxx

To: Isabel Beck

From: Nicky-Rose Dearing

Date: April 29, 2025

Subject: Re: Sorry and thanks

Let’s not say anything. Useful to know, but it’s their business.

It’s just occurred to me why the bracelet ended up in Fran’s bag. I think you mistook it for mine. I did the same thing myself earlier in the sleep out: went to put a bottle of that free water in my tote and noticed there was a charm in the shape of a cross hanging from the handle that certainly isn’t mine. I looked again and realized it wasn’t my bag. Fran and I have almost identical bags, that’s all. Mystery solved.

Thanks for spilling the goss, Issy. I really value our friendship and you can tell me anything. Nicky-Rose

To: Nicky-Rose Dearing

From: Isabel Beck

Date: April 29, 2025

Subject: Re: Sorry and thanks

OMG I feel so silly! You’re right! I saw that charm and assumed it was yours. Oh well, I’ll know another time!

I was so excited to tell you about Fran I forgot to say that friendship bracelets are meant to be worn all the time, not just with a matching outfit. Like a friend, it’s “on hand” day and night, in the bath or shower, even if you go swimming. You wear it until the cord frays and breaks. The one I made with “love issy” on it symbolizes the fact that my friendship lasts until death, and I made myself one that says “love nicky-rose” (there were no capital letters in Denise’s craft box) that I won’t take off until it breaks. Love Issy xxxx

Message exchange between Nicky-Rose and Carol Dearing on April 29, 2025:

11:09 a.m. Nicky-Rose wrote:

Have you taken the kitchen bin out?

11:10 a.m. Carol wrote:

No.