Page 160 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

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Ignore me. It’s late. I’m going to bed.

WhatsApp messages between my editor Pippa Deacon and me,20 August 2021:

Pippa Deacon

Hey! How’s it going, Amanda?

Amanda Bailey

Great. Why?

Pippa Deacon

Nothing. Just that Jo says Oliver’s gone AWOL. I know you’re busy, but I said if you heard anything, you’d let me know and I’d reassure her.

Amanda Bailey

He’s fine. Tell Jo he’s at exactly the same stage I am: gathering research together and getting a good start on his new angle. We’re in touch and I’m supporting him at every step. His spiritual angle will be awesome. And mine even more so

Pippa Deacon

You’re a star!

WhatsApp messages between me and Oliver Menzies, 20 August 2021:

Amanda Bailey

Whaaa! How goes it? You avoiding Jo?

Oliver Menzies

It won’t matter if I am. We’re at the end of days.

Amanda Bailey

Ol, many cults have predicted the end of time. And that includes some mainstream religions. On the one hand, it focuses everyone’s attention. On the other … when that date comes and goes, it’s a bit embarrassing

Oliver Menzies

I’m well aware of that. This is different. Listen. The Alperton Angels weren’t only right about the Antichrist, they were our last chance. I’ve done the reading, spoken to experts. But I knowtoo much. I’m staring into the abyss. Not for me, personally. For the whole of civilisation. The only thing, now, that can save us from the end of days is a new messiah. And I don’t see one.

Oliver Menzies

Ghost me if you like. Makes no difference.

Amanda Bailey

Thinking. Not ghosting.

Communications between me and social worker Sonia Brown, 21 August 2021:

TO:Sonia Brown

DATE:21 August 2021

SUBJECT:Holly

FROM:Amanda Bailey

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