Lynch/Pynchon/Sherman

To make this story short, today had

1) A $25 ticket violation from LA for no front license plate ONLY MINUTES after resolving the issue with the DMV. I had been violating this rule for 9 months, and only got ticketed for it 3 minutes before I would have finally had a front license plate. I got the ticket at the Post Office on Wilcox/Santa Monica, where I was picking up...

2) An unknown package. When I arrived with my failed delivery notice, the clerk told me the package was lost, and I should call some phone number. I called when I got home and was told there was a mixup; I could pick up the package at the same Post Office I was at earlier (but not until I put on the front license plate). Before I left to pick up the package, I receive...

3) A warning robocall from Con Ed, the electricity company. They warn me not to use any appliances in my area. I closed my account with Con Ed nearly a year ago, in Brooklyn, and haven't been attached to any utility bills since then.

4) I return to the Post Office and receive the package. The employee rejoices when I tell him who I am... "the film critic!" "What? " "You're the film critic... Jay Sherman!" "Oh... oh right... it stinks!" Strange, I think, until he gives me the package. I can't recognize the handwriting, and the label says its from "PJI." Inside the almost weightless package there is no note, only a small envelope containing...

5) A mysterious stopped watch. The face reads 5:47:18. I have four hours to figure out what that means, I fear... is my time up?

Later in the day, I would receive two more robocalls from Con Ed. Does some electromagnetic event stop the watch I'm wearing at some future 05:47:18 or 17:47:18?