54
Slim handed a cup to Mrs. Greyson. It trembled against the saucer as she took it, looking up at him with fearful eyes.
‘Tell me what happened,’ Slim said, taking an armchair opposite. ‘Please. I need to know as much as I think you need to tell it.’
Mrs. Greyson set the cup down. She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. ‘Have you ever truly loved anyone, Mr. Hardy?’
Slim gave a slow nod. ‘Yes, I have. It didn’t work out so well. When I think back on it now, I’m not sure whether I’d prefer it to never have happened or not.’
‘Then maybe you can understand. Amos … we got friendly over that stupid old clock. He used to come here and wind it. He was a magician. It was as though it spoke to him. Silly thing would never work properly for me.’
Slim nodded. ‘I hear he was one of the best.’
