Twenty-One

Becca Bell calls Pip from prison. After brief small talk and concern about Pip’s jittery state, Pip asks an urgent question: the name of Andie Bell’s first hamster, needed to answer a security prompt. Becca supplies “Roadie” (spelled R-O-A-D-I-E) and offers to testify in Pip’s libel case against Max, while Pip promises to explain later and visit soon.

Pip uses “Roadie” to access Andie’s secret email account. The inbox contains only exchanges with Harriet Hunter under the subject “Hi,” and a Promotions tab full of “Self-Defence Tips” newsletters, suggesting Andie feared for her safety. No deletions are found.

Pip spots a single draft saved on 21/02/12 titled “from anon” and opens it. The draft reads like an unsent tip: Andie writes that she knows who the DT (Slough Strangler) killer is, is terrified, and cannot safely tell police. She describes the killer as sitting at her dinner table and “practically one of them,” underscoring his proximity and perceived power.

Andie recounts seeing the man with Julia Hunter—holding hands and kissing her cheek—six days before Julia’s death, confirming her suspicion after the news broke. Andie explains contacting Harriet (HH) hoping for shared suspicions but finding none, and feeling responsible for Harriet’s wellbeing.

Andie outlines a plan to escape Kilton using cash saved from Howie, dreaming of following Sal Singh to Oxford, possibly with help from Mr Ward, and later rescuing Becca. She intends to report the killer only once safe. The draft cuts off mid-sentence, but it establishes Andie’s fear, intent to flee, and belief that the killer was dangerously close to her.