Night Sentry in the Iron Pillar

Concrete turned icy underfoot. Night fell hard across the curb. Needed cover fast! Spotted an inspection hatch popped loose at the base of a hollow metal light pole. Pitch dark gap inside. Sprinted straight in, dragging my brass key along. Snug fit. Cold steel conduit wrapped all around my shoulders. Slid the brass key right into a narrow seam in the base plate. Tap! Wedged firm. Tucked my back against the curved cast iron, hook resting on the metal rim, watching the sidewalk shadows through the hatch slit.