Page 109 of The Clockmaker's Cottage

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‘Enough for a new life?’

‘More than enough.’

No one in the room made a sound.

Theo’s grip on Pippa’s hand tightened slightly, but he didn’t look away from the watch.

‘How would we take it?’ mused Agatha.

‘Easily. If it disappears for a while, no one will question it at first. We can claim it’s been stolen.’

‘Horace has confided in me that he knows Andrew has been taking small items from the office. He could be blamed.’

‘He’d be the obvious suspect,’ agreed Arthur. ‘No one would believe him when he tries to say he’s the true master behind the designs. They’ll think he’s deluded.’

Pippa’s pulse was racing that fast she didn’t dare even to glance at Arthur.

‘But Walter and Horace…’

‘Let them deal with it. We’re talking about our future.’

There was a moment’s silence.

‘So what happens first?’ queried Agatha.

‘We hide the watch, say it’s stolen. By the time Andrew gets home, the police will already be searching. They may find other stolen items at his property, so that will help to build the case against him.’

Another pause.

‘But we need something else.’

‘Yes. A letter. In your handwriting. Horace wants to be rid of Andrew because he’s going to tell the world that he is the design genius behind the Vale Brothers, so…’

‘Arthur… that could destroy him. But… you’re right. We need to do it, and this way we leave Walter out of it.’

‘It won’t matter in time. We’ll have the commission, Agatha. We’ll be gone.’

There was a shaky breath from Agatha, and then… ‘All right. I’ll write it.’

Horace closed his eyes.

Theo sat still.

Pippa felt slightly sick.

The recording crackled again and then cut off with a soft click.

No one spoke.

The only sound came from the clocks in the room, steadily ticking.

Horace stared at the watch in his lap, his face grey and angry.

Pippa looked at Theo. Disappointment was written all over his face as he looked at his grandfather, waiting for him to deny everything.

But Arthur didn’t move. His expression was blank, almost frozen.

Pippa swallowed. Arthur Blake had lied through his teeth.

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