Time Restored: Chapter 4: The Horologist

In this fourth chapter of my short novella about time loops, our two unexpected Lottery Winners get to meet up with an actual temporal alchemist. They of course think that he is an eccentric watch repairer, little do they know. You can find the other chapters on the Time Restored playlist.

Transcript

Chapter 4 The Horologist Autumn 2021 CE The Horologist was at the door with a beaming smile,

Just as they arrived,

And he welcomed them in.

They had got there just before midday.

Welcome,

Jenna and Tim,

He said.

I'm Graham.

Jenna was immediately taken by his warm demeanour.

She could tell he must be in his 60s,

But he could also pass for someone in their late 30s.

She could also tell he was kind.

The shop was the veritable emporium of exquisite timepieces.

They all had to stop talking for a while when a cacophony of chimes went off at twelve.

When the chimes abated,

Graham said,

I guess you are wondering why I invited you here for lunch.

Yes,

Blurted Tim,

Holding the phone.

And you must know who is making these phone calls,

And where this came from.

I do,

I do indeed,

Graham said.

Let me explain about that over lunch.

But first,

Let me tell you something about these clocks.

His horological knowledge was immense,

And even Tim was fascinated,

Especially by the myriad of mechanisms.

The most impressive clock was hidden in a locked back room.

This is the oldest grandfather clock in the world,

Graham explained.

I am very proud of it.

I built it in 1680.

Jenna and Tim looked at each other,

And they both thought they must have misheard him.

Maybe he said 1980.

Before they could challenge him,

His Apple Watch rang out.

Time for lunch,

Graham said.

It's a short walk,

And I am paying.

The Cooper's Arms was right up Tim's street.

After a week of fine dining,

A regular Sunday lunch in a family-run pub was what he really craved.

Jenna had offered to drive after,

Knowing he would be more amenable if he had a couple of pints.

She'd catch up at their next pub,

Which was only nine miles away.

In a quiet corner,

Graham opened up to them.

There was a large and noisy family between them and the rest of the pub,

So nobody could hear their outrageous conversation.

So I know you have won the Euro millions,

As it was us that gave you the numbers,

He explained.

I am not after any money,

Just a little help.

I am closing my shop down and selling all my stock,

And I want to set up a school.

Tim butted in.

So why didn't you use the numbers yourself?

It's a little complicated,

Tim,

Graham went on.

We are not allowed to use our powers directly for our own benefit.

Isn't what we've done fraud,

Whispered Jenna.

What if we get found out?

Kind of technically yes,

Said Graham,

But we've been helping fund the lottery since its inception.

Tim and Jenna were understandably confused,

But grateful that lunch arrived so they could let some of this sink in.

It didn't.

Graham went quickly,

So he could steer the conversation away from what they might ask next.

So I know you're thinking of investing in a property,

And I want to start that school,

And all I would ask of you is to find somewhere quiet and quite local,

With a main property and a large annex.

The annex I would like rent-free,

But the school will pay its own running costs.

We still don't understand why us,

Said Jenna.

And what would happen if anyone found out?

I know this is a huge ask,

And on top of winning so much money,

It will be difficult for you to process.

But you've already passed the lie detector test,

As you were not telling any lies,

And will never be asked again,

Graham replied.

Your winnings are safe,

And you should just enjoy what it brings.

After all,

You have earned them.

He seemed genuine,

But why did he know so much detail?

There was much in the last hour or so that Jenna and Tim would have to talk about later.

What did he mean,

That they'd earned the winnings?

OK,

Said Jenna,

Who kind of made all the big decisions.

I don't know why,

But we trust you.

Good,

As you have no choice,

Said Graham,

Also now in a whisper.

To tell anyone how you got the numbers would open up such a can of worms that doesn't need opening.

As Tim's third pint arrived,

Graham changed the subject.

So where are you heading next,

He asked.

What delights has the concierge set up for you?

Jenna hadn't told him about the concierge,

So assumed Tim must have said something when she'd visited the ladies.

So we're staying at the Dog and Gun in Netheraven tonight,

Jenna said,

And we're booked in to actually touch the stones at Stonehenge at the crack of dawn tomorrow.

Graham knew that it wasn't the right time to tell them that this megalithic astronomical timepiece was both his design and creation.

Then we're staying at the Beckford Arms near Tisbury for a couple of nights after,

Said Tim.

Good,

I'll call a friend of mine if you like,

So you can see the oldest working clock in the world at Salisbury Cathedral,

Interjected Graham.

He'll give you a private demonstration.

Again,

It wouldn't have been prudent to tell them that this was also one of his creations.

Tim continued,

Then we got another three nights at a pub in a place called Maiden Bradley.

Graham was beaming at how perfectly the concierge had set everything up for them.

And we're hopefully looking at a few properties,

Said Jenna,

But not had confirmation from the agent yet.

Then to glean as much as they could from the somewhat mysterious horologist,

She said,

Could you tell us more about your school?

As they wound down in small talk,

Jenna sensed that Graham wasn't now telling the whole story.

Surely there wasn't a great market for students wanting to study clock repair and clock making.

Everyone's watch was either on their phone or taking their pulse on their wrist these days.

They accepted Graham's obvious passion and knowledge of his industry.

Graham did pay for the meal and reassured them again that their winnings were safe.

They parted on good terms,

But with more questions than answers.

Here's my number,

Said Graham.

Call if you feel the need.

Before they parted company,

Jenna remembered to get Graham to sign the book that brought them together and vowed to read it before they met again.

You did well to find this,

Said Graham.

I didn't have many printed.

And if you do get a chance to read it next week,

You'll learn more about what we will teach at the school.

Only when they got to the dog and gun did she open the book and she saw the inscription in ornate calligraphy saying,

Temporarily yours,

GMT.

Reviews

I love hearing you read your magical stories to me.

Well this was supposed to be one quick chapter before bedtime but I can’t put “the book” down 😉

On to the next riveting chapter! So much more fun listening to this while I work, versus my usual background noise!

The Dog & Gun! Where we had lunch 😄I’m enjoying the series