Page 152 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

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ASHLEIGH

I’m just like you. An angel. I was born in a mortal body to fulfil a purpose in the earthly realm. To watch and protect you while you fulfil yours. Do you understand?

Holly nods.

ASHLEIGH

Good. Holly, you’reallin terrible danger so long as you’re together. It’s breaking you down.

Holly’s face flickers …

ASHLEIGH

I can save you all. Just bring the Baby and come with me—

GABRIEL (O.S.)

Holly?

Holly jumps. Ashleigh ducks away. When Holly looks back, she’s gone. Gabriel appears in the doorway.

GABRIEL

What are you doing?

HOLLY

Looking for food.

She holds up the tin of formula.

HOLLY

What about this?

Gabriel pulls a face.

GABRIEL

No. Thank. You. Come on.

He ushers her out. When she’s gone, his face changes. He checks the kitchen door. Locked. Takes a final look round, snaps off the light, closes the door. Firmly.

6

In Search of Ashleigh

Text messages between me and Cathy-June Lloyd, 9 August 2021:

Amanda Bailey

Did the lovely Mr Jolley find any interesting newspaper ads from the Alperton Angels case in 2003?

Cathy-June Lloyd

Not yet, but he’s got a week off and is working on it.

Amanda Bailey

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