His host’s smile held no warmth. “Then tonight shall bring revelation.” Under his breath, almost inaudible, he added, “and much, much more.” He stared hard at Mackaby, then around him, as if seeing the room for the first time, a grimace contorting his face. “Enough. It is time,” he muttered. Rising, he hobbled to the narrow hall leading to the closed door of the second room.
Mackaby heard a key turn and a door open and close. Then nothing. He waited. Still nothing. His patience exhausted, he rose, intending to leave. Remembering his watch, he turned back to the table. And stopped. The timepiece was nowhere to be seen. He searched the table and floor, but in vain.
The watch was gone.
A low buzz rose above the street noise and climbed quickly to a high-pitched whining. A tingling sensatio
