Page 111 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
How about treating the case like the kid really was the devil? I’d read that.
Amanda Bailey
Mr Sceptic-Atheist Oliver M has gone spiritual-for-pay and bagged that option. I’ve got another angle, but things need to slot into place for it to work. If not
Minnie Davis
You poor thing shout if I can help. Only waiting for proofs to come back these next couple of weeks.
A scan of my letter to David Polneath, 26 July 2021:
David Polneath
26 July 2021
Dear David,
Apologies for my lack of communication. I’ve been busy organising interviews, writing preliminary notes and revising plans for my book on the Alperton Angels. Thanks for your emails. I decided to contact you in the hope old-fashioned snail mail is less easily intercepted. There’s something I wish to share.
I’ve had a recent encounter with what I can only describe as the powers-that-be. It was unlike any other in my entire professional life. They arranged to meet me at an isolated spot – a lane behind a pub, close to where I live, in the middle of the night. I went there, but no one showed. When I got back home, there was someone in my flat, waiting. There were no signs of forced entry. I would soon realise that in itself was a warning.
This person, someone I’d never seen before in my life, told me in no uncertain terms to stop looking for the baby. They gave me a cover story that would explain to my editor why it can never be found. Their instructions were to say its new identity is protected by a closed, dark adoption: a process only undertaken in exceptional circumstances. It may be true, it may not, but my only option was to agree and I have, so far, complied with their ‘request’. They didn’t threaten me overtly, but I was left in no doubt they could dispose of me at a second’s notice if I continued my search.
I’ve not been able to speak about this even with close friends and colleagues. It happened a couple of weeks ago, but I’ve been in denial and lying to everyone.
You’re right, there’s a mystery behind the case of the Alperton Angels. But am I prepared to be the one to uncover it?
Yours sincerely,
Amanda
PS You mentioned meeting up to exchange information about potential contacts. Please, can we do so?
Text messages between me and TV producer Debbie Condon, 26 July 2021:
Amanda Bailey
Hi, Debbie. When you were working on DERELICTION, exposing cracks in the care system, did anyone lean on you to stop?
Debbie Condon
Social services weren’t exactly forthcoming, but no one got heavy or legal, if that’s what you mean. Strange you should email me today. I’ve been tidying the office and found a great spec script about the Alperton Angels. The writer must have sent it to us years ago. DIVINE by Clive Badham. Have you read it?
Amanda Bailey
I’ve heard of it. Do you have the whole script?
Debbie Condon
Yes. Would you like to see it?
Text messages between me and TV producer Phil Priest, 26 July 2021:
Amanda Bailey
Hey, Phil. Quick question about your TV series ASSEMBLY. Did anyone try to shut you down?
Phil Priest
