133 Hours by Zach Abrams

Author:Zach Abrams [Abrams, Zach]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Terminal Velocity - A Next Chapter Imprint
Published: 2020-01-19T16:00:00+00:00

47 Hours

I’m aware of the old expression claiming that a watched kettle never boils, but for me, it’s a watched clock which never moves. I stare at the digital clock, willing the numbers to change, but each minute feels like an eternity. Being Saturday morning, I don’t expect anyone to want to rise early. I’d set myself a target of lying here until eight-thirty, but no sooner has the clock struck eight than I can’t take any more and I slip out of bed. I see Alesha and Jenny are sound asleep and, not wanting to disturb them, I decide not to risk showering yet. Instead, I only splash a handful of water over my face, rinse my mouth and throw on my dressing gown before tiptoeing down the stairs, taking care not to step on the creaky board this time.

My plan was to clear away all the dishes and utensils and tidy up the kitchen from any debris we’d created when we had our delightful dinner last night. Only a small gesture, I know, but I want to do something, anything, to evidence my gratitude. I’m so indebted to Margaret and Jeffrey for their support. My plan is frustrated as I find there is nothing for me to do. Every surface has been cleared and cleaned. The dishwasher has not only been loaded, it’s run its cycle and been emptied, with all crockery, cutlery, utensils and glassware returned to their cupboards. I realise Margaret and Jeffrey must have cleared up themselves while we were watching the movies. Something else for me to feel guilty about. I must try to be more considerate and proactive.

I lift a glass, pour some water and sit at the table. Only then do I notice this morning’s newspaper, lying at the opposite side, on top of the placemat where Jeffrey normally sits. As I reach across to lift it, I can tell it’s been well thumbed. I can’t help smiling when I turn to the crossword page to find it’s already been completed.

I try looking at the clues. Despite joking with Jeffrey yesterday that I might help him, I’ve never really got into solving cryptic crosswords and I’d have been useless if he had wanted help. I know each compiler has their own style and it can take a while to get familiar with them. After some minutes examining the clues along with the accompanying answers, I start to recognise a pattern. Maybe this is what being an investigator is all about, I think. You look for clues and try to determine a pattern so you can solve the bigger puzzle.

I’m so absorbed in my study that I don’t hear Jeffrey come into the kitchen.

“I think you’ll find you’re too late. I’ve done that one already,” he says.

I practically jump out of my skin.

“I didn’t mean to surprise you.”

I regain my composure. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t hear you come in. I wasn’t going to spoil your crossword, honest. I was only trying…”

He bursts out laughing.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.