18. The Hunt Begins

Several days after discovering Henry’s cryptic note, Edith revisited his workshop, a silent repository of his work. Today, she sought answers: What did Henry’s “sorry” signify? What secrets had he harbored in this space? Descending into the basement, she was enveloped by the scent of history—aged wood, oil, and metal. The workshop was a testament to Henry’s craft: shelves of watch parts, a collection of antique timepieces, and a large, ornate clock: His masterpiece. At his workstation, surrounded by tools and accolades, lay an old wooden chest. Edith opened it to find a world of memories: a journal, pocket watches, and photographs from Henry’s youth, all preserving the essence of his life as a master watchmaker.