14
For the fifth time, Maddock examined the living room’s brick fireplace. It was large, framed by pink granite and, evidenced by soot and remnants of ashes, used, rather than serving solely as an ornamental fixture.
After tapping and pressing on each brick and stone, Maddock again moved to the polished oak mantle, adorned with a cast-iron ring on each end. Upon the decoratively carved wood sat an antique wind-up clock, a small bust, several framed photos, and various painted porcelain knickknacks. He failed to find any keys. No hidden compartments, or anything contained behind, in or under any of the decorations.
For the second time, he moved the clock to an end table, opened its back, and searched for a key hidden among its internal workings.
Bones’ attention shifted between his part
