Page 206 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
Text messages between myself and Don Makepeace, 9 September 2021:
Ellie Cooper
I’m struggling to find details about the recent burglary at Amanda Bailey’s flat. Has anyone been arrested yet?
Don Makepeace
Unfortunately, after any high-profile killing or atrocity, there are people who will take advantage. Don.
Ellie Cooper
I went to the flat. Her laptop and hard drives had been taken. Herphone wasn’t listed among her personal effects. It’s disappeared.
Don Makepeace
There are people in this world who have no scruples when others stand in their way, and no guilt or shame for what they do. If you knew Amanda, you will appreciate that in some ways she was one of those people. Don.
Ellie Cooper
I disagree. But I know the laptop and hard drives were wiped. What happened to her research into the Alperton Angels? It’s a mystery.
Don Makepeace
Like so much about this case. I don’t know all the ins and outs. Just that there ARE ins and outs. Don.
Ellie Cooper
Like the fact this number is the one Sonia gave Amanda for an anonymous intermediary called Mr Blue. I didn’t realise it would be you on the end of it, Don. But it explains why, from the moment she started looking in to this case, Amanda was in danger.
I received no further response from this number.
TO:Judy Teller-Dunning
DATE:9 December 2021
SUBJECT:Amanda Bailey
FROM:Ellie Cooper
Dear Ms Teller-Dunning,
I regret to inform you of the tragic death of Amanda Bailey. I am sorry to make your acquaintance on such sad terms.
However, I would like to thank you for sending Amanda the file belonging to your late husband, Mark Dunning. I know she read it and that it was interesting background for the book she was working on. I am dealing with her personal effects and will return the file to you in due course. I don’t think it had anything directly relevant in it, but thank you nonetheless. Yours sincerely,
Ellie Cooper
TO:Louisa Sinclair
DATE:9 December 2021
SUBJECT:War crimes evidence
FROM:Ellie Cooper
Hi Louisa,
I’m sorting out Amanda Bailey’s research and personal effects and have come across some interesting accounts regarding a former special services soldier. He was cleared of some terrible charges a few years ago, but recordings of conversations between Amanda Bailey and Oliver Menzies indicate he is actually guilty of those and many other far worse crimes. I am sure it’s a matter of public interest that these are made available and any accusations thoroughly investigated.
