Page 20 of Romancing Rayne

“She doesn’t know, does she?” he asked and gestured up the stairs.

“No. She didn’t know she’d get to see Big Ben either. I told her we were coming here so she could get a postcard. She’s been collecting them whenever we stop and mailing them to her girls back home.”

“I heard all of you were married off. Even Truck.”

“Yeah, the fucker’s been married awhile now. He and Mary tied the knot and didn’t tell anyone about it.”

“Damn, bet that hurt.”

“It caused some issues, but we’re straight now, so it’s all good. What about you, Sparky? You got a woman locked away somewhere?”

“I have many women in many places, but nothing like you have. Don’t have time with my schedule.” There was a sadness in Oliver’s gaze that was familiar. I’d had the same look when I’d met Rayne then left her. For six months, I’d walked around in a haze.

“Make time. Trust me; it’s worth it.”

“What’s worth what?” Rayne appeared in the doorway. “It’s really cool in there. Ghost, you wanna look around?”

“I’ve been in there before, Princess. If you’re done, let’s go up.”

“I knew it.” She walked to my side and looked up, smiling. “I knew you’d been up here before.”

Oliver laughed and shook his head. “I bet Ghost has been a lot of places most people would only dream of seeing.”

“I know you’re right. I don’t bother to ask because I know he can’t tell me, but I’m sure I’d be amazed.”

The rest of the walk was done in silence. Rayne was counting steps and I was thinking about some of the places I’d been; most were shit holes. I’d spent a lot of time in the desert, dirty, hot, and hungry. However, I had to admit there were some places I’d been to most people didn’t even know existed. Vaults deep underground, fallout shelters for the US government, and evacuation tunnels. Not that any of those things would interest Rayne.

“Wow, there are a lot of steps,” Rayne commented, sounding a little out of breath.

“We’re almost to the clock dial. How are you holding up?”

“Great. It’s a good thing I’m in shape.”

“I’ll carry you down if you need me to.”

“I’m sure you would. But there’s no need. I promise, I feel fine.”

A few more turns and the winding staircase ended. Oliver opened the door and allowed Rayne to proceed him, following her in.

“This is the clock dial.” Oliver pointed out. “Each of the four faces has 312 cut opal glass panels set in cast iron. Behind you, on the wall, there are twenty-eight bulbs to illuminate the clock face. Each of the four have them.”

“Holy wow, it’s so big.”

“Twenty-three feet in diameter,” Oliver explained.

We walked around and looked at all four faces before climbing another set of stairs and entering the room above the clock dial.

“This is the Link Room where the actual clock is housed. The going train, the chiming train, and the striking train.” Oliver pointed out each moving piece of the clock. “And of course, the escapement and pendulum.”

“I had no idea there were so many gears.” Rayne moved closer for a better look. “Why are there coins on the pendulum?”

“The clock keeper adds and removes pennies to keep the clock in perfect time. Remove a penny to slow down, add a penny to speed it up.”

“You ready to see Big Ben?” I asked.

“Yes!”

“Just a few more steps up to the belfry.” Oliver walked back to the door and waited for us to follow.