Page 167 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
Shit, M. You need to speak to Pippa about changing the credit or something. Joint credits? Not the end of the world. I don’t know, but give her a call. Please?
Minnie Davis
That’s not it, Mand. Turns out this wonderful feminist thesis isn’t really for Women’s Studies, Criminology & Media.
Amanda Bailey
What’s it for, then?
Minnie Davis
Practical Art in Society. That’s a degree course, who knew? Her brief was to create a work that appears academic but is entirely fictional. To show that facts can be created and anyone can be taken in, all they need is the right deceiver.
Minnie Davis
Mand, she MADE UP those exciting new facts. Forged the documents. Faked the photographs. She’s been awarded a First because it was so good it fooled a professional.
Amanda Bailey
Who did she fool?
Amanda Bailey
Oh. I see.
Minnie Davis
Every fact in that essay is utter bullshit. From the very first page. No, from the first LINE! It says: ‘Myra and Rose both had sisters called Avis and went to schools situated on roads called “Hertz Lane”.’
Amanda Bailey
Avis and Hertz are car hire companies.
Minnie Davis
I KNOW THAT NOW!
Amanda Bailey
Pippa didn’t spot it? No one else?
Minnie Davis
Haven’t you heard? Pippa’s left her girlfriend for Jo Li Sun at Green Street. She’s been distracted for weeks. The others are turning these books around so fast. Anyway, it’s not their job. It’s mine.
Amanda Bailey
Shit. Really sorry, Mins. But you need to tell Pippa. She can start doing what they do in this situation. Damage limitation?
Minnie Davis
How could I have been so stupid?
WhatsApp messages between Ellie Cooper and me, 27 August 2021:
Ellie Cooper
If the father of the sixteenth in line to the throne is a convicted murderer and cult leader who believes he is the archangel Gabriel, it’s no wonder they want it kept secret.
