Page 189 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

---

Holly, I’m not an angel.

Holly freezes, but not with surprise.

ASHLEIGH

Nor are you.

Holly stares at her.

ASHLEIGH

We’re human. Like everyone.

Holly holds Ashleigh’s gaze, shakes her head.

HOLLY

No. Gabriel wouldn’t make a mistake like that. (beat) He’s an archangel.

Ashleigh takes a deep breath.

ASHLEIGH

He’s not an archangel. He’s not even Gabriel. His name’s Peter Duffy.

Every doubt Holly’s had passes across her face.

ASHLEIGH

Listen, Holly, thirteen years ago he told me I had a celestial soul, that we’d savethe world together. He called me Holly. Just like you.

Holly tries to shake growing horror from her mind. Her hand flies to the door handle. Locked.

ASHLEIGH

He’s an insidious, predatory man, a spider. The only thing he can do is spin a web.

Holly is tearful, as ifthisis her greatest fear.

ASHLEIGH

He made you feel special.

Holly stops. Her stillness and silence speak volumes.

ASHLEIGH

He mademefeel special too. (beat) He builds a life for you, a family, you fall in love with him and you’ll do anything. (beat) It’s just a baby.Yourbaby. A part of you. And she’s beautiful.

Holly locks eyes with Ashleigh, shakes her head. This look is different.

HOLLY

He’s not my baby.

Ashleigh sits back, suddenly uneasy, confused …

TAP TAP TAP. Marie-Claire’s face at the window.

---