Page 260 of The Silent Appeal

Lucas leaves his phone backstage. Amelia has to turn it off and Celia passes it back to him.

Femi

During the interval, Fran calmly goes to meet her lover, with a starter pistol and an Edwardian moletrap, fully intending to kill him.

Lockwood Murder Case WhatsApp group, September 13, 2025:

Femi Hassan

We’ve examined all the evidence, Mr. Tanner.

Roderick Tanner, KC

Francesca Elroy-Jones confessed to the murder.

Femi Hassan

Yes, but we assume her conviction is unsafe, if you’re involving us.

Roderick Tanner, KC

My colleague believes there are significant factors that reduce Fran’s responsibility. Yet she remains convinced the guilt is hers alone and refuses to appeal. He asked for my help.

Roderick Tanner, KC

But not feeling on top of things at the moment. Any help would be appreciated.

Femi Hassan

Is there forensic evidence? CCTV footage? Anything that shows she’s not entirely to blame?

Charlotte Holroyd

Surely no one else would want to kill Father Josh except the two women closest to him. Unless this is a case of mistaken identity.

Roderick Tanner, KC

Remember my first email to you. We must listen to the notes that are not played, to what is never said.

Roderick Tanner, KC

We need Fran to appeal, and the only way to do it is to show HER evidence of what really happened.

Charlotte

On April 28 Josh says there’ve been no “marital relations” between him and his wife for years. Fran talks about their marriage being over in all but name. Hearing about the pregnancy from Kevin’s email must have been utterly devastating.

Charlotte

Evidence he’s lied to her for their whole relationship and that he’s unlikely to leave his wife. Could the shock of that cause temporary insanity, then trauma-induced memory loss?

Femi

In which case, her team could appeal on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Charlotte

Her living situation could be cited as a contributory factor. She’s kept out of her own home, worn down by troublesome “tenants.” Her work colleagues can testify to her declining mental and emotional state.