Murder by the Clock · Chapter
XVI: 2:13 a.m.—Time Versus Death explained
At 2:13 a.m., Officer O'Brian receives a mysterious phone call from Thomas Hollander's apartment, where Lieutenant Valcour is found bound and dazed.
What happens
At 2:13 a.m., Officer O'Brian receives a mysterious phone call from Thomas Hollander's apartment, where Lieutenant Valcour is found bound and dazed. Valcour instructs O'Brian to warn Dr. Worth that Hollander is armed with a knife and intends to kill Endicott. A plan is devised to lure Hollander out of Endicott's room, but Hollander attempts to stab Endicott before being shot by Cassidy and Hansen.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Control
Hollander's relentless pursuit of Endicott, even while Endicott is incapacitated, demonstrates his obsessive need to silence him.
The Psychology of Murder
Hollander's calm and deliberate attempt to stab Endicott, despite being under police surveillance, reveals a calculated and cold-blooded mindset.
Deception of the Senses
The officers conceal themselves from Endicott's view, and Hollander's friendly demeanor masks his murderous intent.
Characters to notice
- O'Brian
Receives a strange phone call from Hollander's apartment and alerts the precinct, leading to Valcour's rescue.
- Lieutenant Valcour
Found bound in Hollander's apartment; orchestrates a plan to stop Hollander from killing Endicott.
- Thomas Hollander
Attempts to murder Endicott with a stiletto but is shot by police officers.
- Herbert Endicott
Weak and recovering, he confronts Hollander and insists he will tell the police the truth.
- Dr. Worth
Awakened by Nurse Murrow and later informed of Hollander's threat; participates in the plan to apprehend him.
- Cassidy
Fires a bullet that shatters Hollander's wrist, preventing the murder.
Key passages
“Neither you nor all the devils in hell can stop me from telling.”
Endicott defiantly asserts that no force, not even hell itself, will prevent him from revealing the truth.
Endicott's determination to expose Hollander despite his weakened state.
“Can't I, Herb?”
Hollander responds with a chilling rhetorical question, implying that he can indeed stop Endicott.
Hollander's confidence in his ability to silence Endicott.
“It's your friend, Herb.”
Hollander identifies himself as Endicott's friend, though his actions are anything but friendly.
The irony of Hollander's claim of friendship while preparing to kill.