Page 129 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

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WhatsApp messages between me and Oliver Menzies, 29 July 2021:

Amanda Bailey

What the fuck were you thinking?

Oliver Menzies

When? What? Do you mean the Watch thing?

Amanda Bailey

Oliver Menzies

Filed it when I thought Green Street might pull my book.

Amanda Bailey

Why? How could this possibly help?

Oliver Menzies

It links my name to the case and I get to be a published ‘expert’ on it. More leverage with Jo. But if she cancelled my commission, at least I made some cash out of it. The Watchnever seemed that interested and sat on the story for weeks. I forgot about it. Guess they were just waiting for a light news day.

Oliver Menzies

If it’s any consolation, they totally rewrote what I sent them.

Amanda Bailey

I can’t believe you’ve been so low and underhand.

Oliver Menzies

It’s all in the public domain. Fair game. Anyone could find Jonah, it’s just that I did.

Amanda Bailey

I did. I found him, NOT YOU. I should have a co-writing credit on the piece. At least.

Oliver Menzies

Now you’re splitting hairs.

Amanda Bailey

AND you procured my photographs under false pretences and submitted them in your name!

Oliver Menzies

Only a couple were used. Look, it’s a throwaway piece. It’s already been knocked off the lead spot. It’s even slipping down the sidebar.

Oliver Menzies

See, overtaken by Liz Hurley’s ‘age-defying bikini’ and Kylie Jenner’s ‘daring sideboob dress’. Chill out about it. I’ll treat you to dinner some time.

Amanda Bailey

And it compromises BOTH our books. We want to generate interest in this case just prior to our publication dates. Not so early that every hack and rag is suddenly on the case, looking for the baby, printing spoiler pieces and stealing our thunder.

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