Staging Ground

I cleared the floor register and hauled myself up the ribbed crossbar of the console table. Resting flat on the polished oak was a divided leather valet tray. Each rectangular compartment was lined with firm green felt, cut into sharp right angles. In the center section, three heavy brass collar stays lay angled beside a small roller-buckle strap. I approached the top stay, gripped its beveled edge, and nudged it flush against the stitched divider wall. The metal seated with a quiet, solid click. Partitioned, shielded from floor drafts, and clear of clutter. An orderly staging ground.