Page 205 of The Silent Appeal

Undated page from a decorative journal belonging to Isabel Beck:

TODAY

Yawned all the way through our staff meeting and now trying to concentrate on my clients, but I’m so tired after Big Sunday and so anxious for the tech rehearsal, it’s not easy. Or am I anxious generally and it just happens to be the tech rehearsal that’s next in the play schedule? I know I couldn’t sleep and kept going over my lines.

When I did get to sleep, I dreamed that Fran was holding Emma’s horrible statue and it was laughing at me.

Nicky-Rose has just texted to say can we meet earlier because she’s got things to do before Fairways tonight. I said yes because I finish work early anyway this week. I was going to have a bath, but I can have a bath any day. Better put this journal away before someone sees it.

Unusual things that happened today:

Nicky-Rose walked past the shop! What’s she doing in Little Fowey?

I asked Nancy to take my 11:30 while I brought my break forward and nipped to Boots (didn’t say why, and hoped she’d think it was too personal to explain, which must’ve worked because she didn’t ask).

I followed Nicky-Rose for as long as I could and saw her go into TUI. I couldn’t stay to see when she left because time was getting on. I made a mental note to ask her tonight what she was doing in there.

Then I thought again. She knows I work across the road in Specsavers. She could’ve mentioned she was going to be in Fowey or texted to see if we could meet up.

But maybe she didn’t know she’d be here. Perhaps she’s booking a last-minute trip for after the play. She’s definitely the sort of person who’d take a mini break to a posh villa in Spain. Is she going there on her own? She wants me to give someone something for her, and get something from them… Is she actually planning a surprise pressie for me, just like the friendship bracelet I made for her? Could it be a ticket to go with her on a mini break? My heart is soaring at the thought!

Then I wondered if she went into TUI to book a one-way flight back to Barbados and my heart sank again.

My nan used to say “what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” She was right. I had to go to Boots and buy a packet of sanitary towels in case Nancy saw me come back empty-handed.

Message exchange between Isabel Beck and Nicky-Rose Dearing on June 2, 2025:

11:31 a.m. Issy wrote:

Hiya!

11:31 a.m. Issy wrote:

What are you up to this morning?

11:32 a.m. Issy wrote:

I’ve got a break until 12:15. Yay!

11:33 a.m. Issy wrote:

It’s lovely working in Little Fowey. There’s a fantastic coffee shop a few doors along called Zephyr. Famous for their amazing matcha macarons according to the sign.

11:34 a.m. Issy wrote:

I’ve never been in there but always wonder what it must be like.

11:36 a.m. Issy wrote:

Perhaps we could try it out if you’re in the area? I don’t like matcha, but I’m sure they do other flavors.

11:38 a.m. Nicky-Rose wrote:

Busy today. See you at five in Squires.

11:39 a.m. Issy wrote:

See you then! I’m sure Squires is better than Zephyr anyway! Really looking forward to play week! Love Issy xxxx