Monday passed in a blur.
Nicholas said little to his father. Their duties took them in different directions, much to his relief. Misery consumed him and his father would’ve noticed and asked questions.
Forcing a smile at dinner, he relayed the day’s events without a hitch. Nicholas kept his comments short and to the point. His father carried on as usual and didn’t remark on Nicholas’ early retreat upstairs after dinner.
He eased onto the stool at his workstation, eyeing the old clock with disdain. His latest project confounded him. No mechanical reason for the clock’s silence. It refused to chime the hour though.
You’ll not defeat me.
He focused on the clock for over two hours. Despite the puzzle before him, Vicki strayed into his thoughts multiple times. Every instance, he shoved her
