I’m the night watchman at the Geng Tower. One mistimed strike at midnight, and the old rules of the entire city awaken. They don’t hurt people; they collect what they’re owed. Missed watches and incorrectly reported times all become Chinese-style horror scenarios. No one else can see the written rules. I can. By striking one watch early, striking one late, or not reporting the time at all, I can pry at the rules inside these scenarios. It’s called the Mistimed Watch Technique. Three years ago, my father struck one extra time and never came back. Now the new magistrate is using the dead tower’s remnants to nurture evil rules and tear it down. Clutching half the plaque my father split in two, I have to piece together the missing half of the time announcement: “Don’t allow...” Guard the tower, redeem my father, clear his name. Tonight, I’ll keep the count right for the whole city.
