Murder by the Clock · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Murder by the Clock by Rufus King.

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Chapter 1
I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100
Mrs. Endicott, worried about her husband Herbert's safety, calls the police and requests a detective. Lieutenant Valcour arrives at her home. She explains that Herbert has gone to visit Marge Myles, a woman she fears might harm him. Valcour initially declines to help, but Mrs. Endicott insists, showing him a cryptic note in her husband's room. The chapter establishes the tense atmosphere and introduces key characters and the central conflict.
Chapter 2
II: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of Murder
Lieutenant Valcour examines the scene of Herbert Endicott's death, noting the cold body in the cupboard and Mrs. Endicott's detached demeanor. He calls Dr. Worth and the police, then inspects the bathroom and balcony for clues, finding a dirty soap, a missing button on the overcoat, and a note that matches a pencil in the desk, suggesting a possible murder weapon.
Chapter 3
III: 9:45 p.m.—Guards Are Stationed at the Doors
Lieutenant Valcour stations police guards at the doors of the Endicott residence, instructing them on handling reporters and visitors. Dr. Worth arrives and examines the body, confirming Endicott's death from a heart attack, though Valcour suspects murder. The homicide chief and medical examiner arrive, and Valcour begins his investigation, planning to interview Mrs. Endicott.
Chapter 4
IV: 10:02 p.m.—Pale Flares the Darkness
Lieutenant Valcour interviews Mrs. Endicott in her room, probing her relationship with her husband and the circumstances of his death. She reveals she often wished to kill him but never wanted him dead, and admits to meeting him in the attic, though she claims not to know why he came. Valcour discusses the possibility of murder via deliberate shock to the heart, and notes the absence of Mr. Endicott's hat as a suspicious detail.
Chapter 5
V: 10:17 p.m.—Living or Dead?
Lieutenant Valcour interviews Mrs. Endicott in her living room, pressing her for details about the evening's events. She recounts her husband's strange goodbye through the closed door, her own dressing with Roberts's help, and her discovery of the note. Valcour probes her about a tea appointment with a man she refuses to name, and about Marge Myles, a woman with a scandalous past who may have killed her husband. Mrs. Endicott deflects and hints at her husband's animalistic behavior. The chapter ends with Cassidy's alarming news that they are preparing to revive the corpse.

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I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100

II: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of Murder

III: 9:45 p.m.—Guards Are Stationed at the Doors

IV: 10:02 p.m.—Pale Flares the Darkness

V: 10:17 p.m.—Living or Dead?