Synopsis

A knot of apprehension tightened in Thomas’s stomach. Two inspectors, their faces etched with a stern resolve, had arrived to audit the railway, and he was their first subject. He felt a prickle of unease as they began their inspection, starting with him. Determined to mitigate any potential repercussions, Thomas spotted a lost pocket watch and swiftly returned it to the inspector. The small act of honesty seemed to ease the tension, a silent plea for understanding in the face of scrutiny.