Securing the Line

I checked the laundry line anchor on the outer balcony rail after yesterday's perimeter sweep. A stray plastic clothespin spring had popped loose and lodged against an empty glass espresso cup on the ledge, catching the morning breeze with a sharp click. Vibration compromises stealth. I unslung my weapon, set it flat against the stucco ledge, and braced both boots against the textured stone. Gripping the cold steel coiled spring with both hands, I rotated the torsion pin and pressed it into the drainage gap beneath the saucer. Zero movement. The high vantage point is quiet and secure.