# XV: 2:13 a.m.—The Thin Steel Blade explained — Murder by the Clock

> Chapter companion for Murder by the Clock by Rufus King.

## What happens

Miss Murrow, the nurse, grows restless during her night vigil. She observes Thomas Hollander, who appears tense and pale. When she checks on Endicott, she notices signs of consciousness returning. She instructs Hollander to lock the door after her and goes to fetch Dr. Worth. Hollander locks the door, then retrieves a thin steel blade from his sleeve, preparing to act as Endicott begins to stir.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception of the Senses

Miss Murrow's perception of Hollander's movements is uncertain—she questions whether his hand is moving or if it's an illusion of light and shade.

### The Psychology of Murder

Hollander's calm exterior masks his deadly intent, as he secretly prepares a blade while appearing composed.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Murrow

The nurse on duty, restless and observant, notices Hollander's strange behavior and Endicott's signs of waking.

### Thomas Hollander

Sits quietly but with a glittering gaze, shows strain when Endicott stirs, and secretly draws a thin steel blade.

### Herbert Endicott

The patient, showing signs of regaining consciousness, his eyelids twitching and eyes opening.

### Cassidy

One of the police guards stationed in the bathroom doorway, watching Endicott.

### Officer Hansen

Another police guard, impassively studying the ceiling.

## Key lines

> She had always had her attacks of the fidgets, and would probably continue to have them until she arrived at the port of destination for all good nurses and married one of her patients or a doctor.

Miss Murrow was restless and believed she would stay that way until she married a patient or a doctor.

_Shows Miss Murrow's personal thoughts and her view of nursing as a path to marriage._

> What a curious expression that was in his eyes. He had just turned them toward her, and they seemed to glitter.

She noticed a strange, glittering look in Hollander's eyes when he glanced at her.

_Highlights the unsettling nature of Hollander's gaze._

> With imperceptible movements he drew a thin steel blade from beneath the cuff of his left coat sleeve and held it in such a fashion that it was masked in the palm of his right hand, the hilt extending up a little beneath the shirt cuff.

He secretly pulled out a thin blade from his sleeve and hid it in his hand, ready to use.

_Reveals Hollander's concealed weapon and his intent._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xv-2-13-a-m-the-thin-steel-blade
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters