Page 236 of The Silent Appeal

Even when no one could find the gun?

9:57 a.m. Kevin wrote:

Joel was on the case. Knocking two planks of wood together is a time-honored way for drama groups to create the sound of a gunshot. I don’t think the audience noticed.

9:58 a.m. Issy wrote:

Was Father Josh shot with the gun?

9:59 a.m. Kevin wrote:

It’s a starter pistol, so that’s not possible, plus it was found later in the pocket of Henrietta’s sculpting smock. It had just been mislaid, that’s all.

10:01 a.m. Issy wrote:

Who could have put it there? Everyone knows not to mess with props on play night.

10:08 a.m. Kevin wrote:

What happened was a terrible tragedy, but people who work with the public open themselves up to everyone. It wouldn’t be the first time a vicar was hurt by a dangerous parishioner.

10:08 a.m. Issy wrote:

Could it be a case of mistaken identity?

10:17 a.m. Kevin wrote:

I don’t know, Issy. I’d say it’s pretty hard to mistake a six-foot man wearing a dog collar, in the lane between a vicarage and a church hall, for anyone other than the local vicar.

10:18 a.m. Issy wrote:

Amelia was in a horrible mood, even though her bits seemed to go ok.

10:19 a.m. Kevin wrote:

Her leg was probably hurting. But she’s a trouper and didn’t complain.

10:24 a.m. Issy wrote:

Fran will be devastated. She was so close to Father Josh. Did you think her performance was strange?

10:33 a.m. Kevin wrote:

Far from it! She took Lady Angkatell’s eccentricity to a new level. Especially in the second half. Pulled it out of the bag and deserves that NADA for best actress so let’s hope she gets it.

Undated page from a decorative journal belonging to Isabel Beck:

TODAY

Things I’m grateful for:

This journal (and Denise’s daughter’s bag of crafting accessories).

My job at Specsavers (where I’m writing this).

My flat.

Nicky-Rose’s friend Trina being lovely when we met yesterday.