Page 168 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
Ellie Cooper
Holly must have been absorbed back into the aristocracy one way or another. She probably married a viscount and lives in an ancient country house. Does she know her baby is being raised as the Queen’s grandchild?
Ellie Cooper
You OK, Mand? Haven’t heard from you in a while.
Amanda Bailey
Sorry. Lots going on. Ellie, I’ve been messaging this guy who wrote the unproduced film script. Leading him to believe I’m a budding film producer. Only, there’s something off about him. The way he refuses to talk properly about the inspiration behind the film. He fobs me off with ‘I made it up’, ‘I read everything around the case’ – when I know he must’ve had inside info to have used the name ‘Ashleigh’. Not just that, other details too. There’s only one way to find out for sure.
Ellie Cooper
You’re meeting him?
Amanda Bailey
I’m going to call his bluff and suggest it. But it’s my guess he won’t meet me. He’ll suggest a phone call or cancel at the last minute. Because he’s not who he says he is.
Ellie Cooper
Text messages between me and Clive Badham, 27 August 2021:
Amanda Bailey
Clive, we should meet. Put this relationship on a professional footing before your script gathers so much heat it sweeps us both into a rolling fireball
Clive Badham
Absolutely. When and where?
Amanda Bailey
Near you. Where did you say you’re based again?
Clive Badham
Stoke Newington. There’s a great little coffee place called Café Z on Stokie High Street.
Amanda Bailey
This afternoon?
Clive Badham
2 p.m.? This is fabulous, Amanda. I can’t wait!
Amanda Bailey
Nor can I
WhatsApp messages between me and Ellie Cooper, 27 August 2021:
Amanda Bailey
Well, I’m here. So far, Mr Badham has neither arrived nor cancelled.
Ellie Cooper
