Page 70 of Everything That Kills Me
“Not yet.”
Jack heard Thomas exhale.
“You do know this is not a good idea,” Thomas said finally.
“I’m allowed them occasionally.”
“Not if it risks your life or mine.”
“I need a break.”
“With him?”
There was no point in denial. “Yes.”
“You know the rules.”
“Yes, I do. I’ll be in touch.” Jack ended the call.
Thomas wasn’t happy. Jack almost was.
He sent a text to Zeph.Busy?
The answer came back quickly.Not until 4
Want to meet? Tell me where.
Corpus Clock. Ten minutes?
See you.
Jack had to look up what that was and where it was. Fortunately, not too far away. It was on front of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College. Apparently, not so much a clock but more a work of art.
He could see Zeph waiting as he approached. He was wearing his punting gear of dark trousers, white shirt and dock shoes. When Zeph saw him coming, he smiled so widely, Jack’s throat filled up. Such a simple thing having someone pleased to see him, but the delight it brought… Jack treasured it.
“Hi,” Zeph said as Jack reached his side.
Zeph’s hand brushed against his and Jack caught hold and squeezed his fingers. He thought about not letting go, but he wasn’t sure about hand holding in public. It would draw attention and he was in the business of never drawing unwanted attention. He let go.
“Sorry I had to leave,” Jack said. “I had some work to do before I could have the rest of the day off. I checked out of my hotel. Can I stay with you?”
Zeph nodded, his eyes bright.
“So what’s this?” Jack nodded to the clock behind them. “And what the hell is that insect on the top?”
“A chronophage—a time eater. Its mouth opens at thirty seconds past each minute and snaps shut when the minute is over. Reminds us we don’t have as much time left as we think.”
Jack winced. “Charming.”
“It’s an example of a grasshopper escapement mechanism, invented in the 1700s. The same inventor also came up with the marine chronometer that enabled sailors to work out longitude.”
“John Harrison.”
Zeph nodded. “That’s him. Have you been to Cambridge before?”
Yes.“No. I’ve seen Harrison’s clocks in Greenwich. You hungry?”
“I could eat.”
