Page 82 of The Silent Appeal

From: Isabel Beck

Date: February 12, 2025

Subject: My sculpture

Hiya Emma,

Sorry to bother you, but it’s about the sculpture you’re going to make of me. I’m so excited! Kevin says I may have to “sit” for you and I wonder if we could make an afternoon of it? I work some Saturdays and then have the next Wednesday off, but am usually free on Sundays. I can work around when you want me, put it that way.

We could have breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee, afternoon tea, or dinner before, during, or after the “sitting.” The Carousel is now a Wetherspoons so we could eat there.

Now that Nicky-Rose is helping Kevin, I wonder if she should be there too? She has so many wonderful ideas, I’m sure her thoughts on the sculpture will be just as exciting and original. I’ve got all her contact details. Shall I get the three of us together? Love Issy xxx

To: Isabel Beck

From: Emma Crooks

Date: February 12, 2025

Subject: Re: My sculpture

My third eye can sense energies far beyond the visible.

John Cristow talks about how irritating his wife’s devotion to him is. Gerda’s sheer draining dependence on him is what leads to catastrophe in the story. Henrietta’s sculptures represent that toxic relationship. I’ve already opened up my pineal gland to Melpomene and asked for her creative assistance.

I won’t need you to sit for the sculpture. Namaste, Emma x

To: Nicky-Rose Dearing

From: Isabel Beck

Date: February 12, 2025

Subject: My sculpture

Hiya Nicky-Rose,

Sorry to bother you. You probably won’t remember me, but I’m playing Gerda in The Hollow. My name is Issy and I first acted with the Fairway Players in 2018. Gerda is the biggest (and best!) part I’ve ever had and I couldn’t help but be totally blown away by your suggestion on Monday that I sit sideways on the settee.

I’ve never been on a cruise ship, but they must have the most amazing plays, because you transformed our little rehearsal from (if I’m honest) a bit of a trudge through act one to something dynamic and creative.

I trained as a nurse, but with one thing and another I’m now an ophthalmologist at Specsavers. However, I have a great vision. My dream is to sail around the world on cruise ships, perhaps working in the medical center on board. I was once in geriatrics and now deal with mainly elderly customers, so I already have relevant experience. I just need someone to take me under their wing, someone who knows that lifestyle.

Shall we meet for a coffee to discuss the play, the sculptures Emma is making, and what it’s like to work on cruise ships? Lots of love, Issy xxx

Message exchange between Nicky-Rose Dearing and Sarah-Jane MacDonald on February 12, 2025:

1:43 p.m. Nicky-Rose wrote:

What’s Issy like?

1:43 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Avoid!

1:44 p.m. Nicky-Rose wrote:

Really? She’s been a Fairway Player for seven years. Can’t be that bad.