'Never in Time

By Wes Snowden

This riveting short story combines mystery, adventure, romance and time travel in an entertaining mix that guarantees to please readers of all ages.

The year is 1860 in the small town of Eden, Maine. An innocent sea Captain is charged with the presumed murder of a young local girl and a date has been set for his execution. Despite intensive searches, the girl's body can't be found-for a very good reason-she is trapped somewhere in the drifting mists of time!
Struck by lightning while hiding inside a mysterious Grandfather clock, originally built for Catherine the Great of Imperial Russia, 'Never Landry is transported into a timeless void doomed to await a discovery that may never happen.
150 years later, a talented young computer technician struggles desperately to find a solution that will save the sea Captain from hanging, and also free the young women he has grown to love, from the time paradox that threatens to keep her captive forever!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wes Snowden
• Release date: Oct 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463378113

Book preview

PROLOGUE

BAR HARBOR, MAINE MAY 1ST, 2006

THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, it scared the living daylights out of him. He thought he was losing his mind. By the fifth time it happened, he was almost waiting, eager for the woman to make a nocturnal appearance.

Each time, it was eerily the same. The newly acquired antique grandfather clock would strike the first chime of the twelve ominous tones of midnight, and then the apparition would appear, standing silently beside the timepiece. She was breathtakingly beautiful, dressed in a long flowing white gown. Despite her translucent appearance, in a dreamlike way, she seemed almost real.

The visions always ended the same way. When the last chime of the midnight hour sounded, she retreated into the depths of the antique clock. He could not hear, touch, or smell her, but he could most definitely make out the outline of her lovely lips as she silently mouthed her plea. It was the same plea every night. Only two words, but they broke his heart.

The two silent words were: HELP ME!

THE EMPRESS CLOCK

150 YEARS EARLIER:

EDEN, MAINE

JUNE 1st, 1856

A LOUD CHEER AROSE from the crowd waiting patiently onshore as the ship finally emerged, ghost-like, from the early morning fog and rounded Point Cowan under full sail. With all flags fluttering, LE GRIFFON made a magnificent sight as she headed into the wind and made a course for the main dock at the center of Eden’s beautiful natural harbor.

None of the inhabitants of this sleepy port on that day in 1856 could have realized some sixty years in the future, their little town of Eden would be renamed Bar Harbor and become famous, worldwide, as a flourishing tourist destination.

Antoine Landry stood on Eden’s central wooden wharf with his granddaughter, ‘Never Landry, at his side. The old man’s hands were trembling with excitement. The prize he had waited for was almost in sight.

Antoine, a man in his late 60’s, was partially bent from arthritis but still very much actively involved in his business. He had gained a durable reputation as one of New England’s finest clockmakers. Most of the better homes in the area showcased at