(beat)
We have to do this now. Bring the baby to me.
Gabriel takes a breath, obediently leaves the room.
The following exchange between me and aspiring screenwriter Clive Badham is stapled together and paperclipped to the above script:
TO:Clive Badham
DATE:28 July 2021
SUBJECT:Divine
FROM:Amanda Bailey
Hi Clive,
Hope you’re well. Did I mention I’m moving into film as a producer/director? Well, an industry friend absolutely raved to me recently about your award-winning scriptDivineand I simply had to read it. I asked her to send it to me. I hope you don’t mind. I’m in the middle of reading it now.
Thanks,
Amanda
Text message to me from Clive Badham, 28 July 2021:
Clive Badham
Hi Amanda. You’ve made my day! That’s awesome news! When you’ve read it let me know and we can chat. You’ll need contacts and info. I’ve got some good friends in tech and post. I’ll be a valuable partner in the venture.
4
Closing in, Despite Everyone’s Best Efforts to Piss Me Off. Correspondence, Interviews and Background Reading
WhatsApp messages between my editor Pippa Deacon and me, 29 July 2021:
Pippa Deacon
Seen today’s DAILY WATCH? Page 14.
Amanda Bailey
I was up till three researching this new angle. Still in bed.
Pippa Deacon
Their lead story online. Check it out.
Amanda Bailey
Phone on 1%. Give me a sec.
Amanda Bailey
WHAT THE FUCK???? SHIT SHIT FUCKING SHIT.
Pippa Deacon
Did you know he was writing that?