The East Gallery

Under the Dust Sheets

Rows of display cases stand beneath white sheets, like guests who arrived early and fell asleep. Only one case in the center of the room is uncovered. Its glass is spotless. It is empty.

A small card sits on the velvet inside. In neat gold letters it reads: Night Guard, Present Day. On loan from the Halloran Permanent Collection.

Behind you, a cold draft moves the sheets. It rises from a service door you are sure was locked a minute ago. Through the gap you can hear something below: the slow tick of an enormous clock.