Perimeter Patrol

The iron platform trembled under my boots as steady raindrops tapped against the rusted grating. I moved along the perimeter railing, scanning the alley three stories down. Movement caught my eye: a soaked cardboard coffee sleeve wedged between the iron slats and the exterior brick wall, trapping a small pool of rainwater. A structural hazard. I planted both feet firmly, wedged my rigid plastic hand into the crevice, and ripped the pulp free with one clean pull. The trapped water cascaded down into the alley below. Perimeter clear. Nothing clogs my watchpost.