Page 165 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
These fictional accounts – two novels and a script – are contemporary to the events. Fictional as they are, they still have historical value. Each of these writers picked up on something subtle, a nuance of the case, lost to us now, that even they didn’t realise.
Oliver Menzies
Listen. Gabriel is the messenger. Michael is the angel of war who will preside over the end of days. Elemiah the angel of protection, Raphael of rebirth. The four corners. Four horsemen. Four four four.
Amanda Bailey
Are you sleeping OK, Ol? Still being woken up every morning?
Oliver Menzies
I wait for it now. It’s proof. Evidence I’m right.
Amanda Bailey
Well, if it’s the end of days, can you finally tell me who your mystery interviewee is?
Oliver Menzies
No, Mand. I enjoy winding you up too much.
WhatsApp messages between me and my editor Pippa Deacon, 25 August 2021:
Amanda Bailey
Just a heads-up: it might be an idea for Jo to check in with Oliver after all. I’ve no idea how someone as fiercely rational as he is could ever be obsessed with the esoteric side of a case, but …
Pippa Deacon
When did you last hear from Minnie?
Amanda Bailey
Minnie? Few days ago. Maybe weeks. Why?
Pippa Deacon
Hmmm. She was in the middle of clearing her quotes and suddenly stopped replying.
WhatsApp messages from me to true crime author Minnie Davis, 25 August 2021:
Amanda Bailey
Hey, Mins! You avoiding Pippa?
Amanda Bailey
So, I’ve left a couple of messages … You OK?
Amanda Bailey
Getting worried now. Reply asap please, Minnie.
WhatsApp messages between me and true crime author Craig Turner, 26 August 2021:
Amanda Bailey
Babes, you heard from Minnie in the last couple of days?
