WhatsApp messages from me to Keiron, 9 June 2021:
Amanda Bailey
Sorry to do this by WhatsApp, but you’re away and I’ve got a new job about to start so here goes … You’re the best, most thoughtful guy I’ve ever known, yet still I’m happier single Looks like I’m not cut out for this, or any, relationship. You’ve taught me that, so thanks.
Amanda Bailey
And sorry
Email from my editor Pippa Deacon, 10 June 2021:
TO:Amanda Bailey
DATE:10 June 2021
SUBJECT:Welcome!
FROM:Pippa Deacon
Dear Amanda,
First of all, may I say how delighted we are that you’re on board for the Eclipse series. It’s an important launch for us with so many exciting people involved. Craig Turner, who I think you know, is presenting Dennis Nilsen’s killing spree as a harbinger of the AIDS crisis during the 1980s. He’s spoken to all the gay celebrities and has brought the whole case into the twenty-first century. Lovely Minnie Davis has identified the most shocking coincidences in the lives of Myra Hindley and Rose West – she’s pulled it out of the bag with this one. Even taken photographs that show visual similarities in their childhood homes and schools, really chilling stuff! The Alperton Angels is such a dark, emotive tale, and with the youngest child about to turn eighteen, the case is totally ready for a reboot.
I hear you have an ‘in’ with social services in the area and can trace where the baby was sent. You’ll understand we have a teeny tiny budget that doesn’t stretch to private detectives, so any short cuts you can make … We know how doggedly determined you are when there’s a story to be had and trust you implicitly to seize the heart of this case, rip it out and throw it at the page.
You only have to google to see how much is in the public domain already so it won’t take you long to get up to speed. Call as soon as you locate the baby. I’ll get wheels turning with the TV people.
Thanks, Amanda; I look forward to working with you.
Pippa
INTERVIEW WISH LIST
The Angels
The Baby
Holly*
Jonah*
Gabriel Angelis, currently residing at Tynefield Prison
*not their real names
Contacts(amended over the weeks)
Police and legal
Don Makepeace, retired detective chief superintendent
Jonathan Childs, police officer who found Singh’s body
Grace Childs, his wife
Aileen Forsyth, police officer
Mike Dean, police officer
