Spring Steel

Caught a dull glint near the edge of the desk. A heavy chrome tape measure, resting flat on the dark wood. I nudged the casing with my boot. Didn't budge. Good weight to it. I stepped in close, hooked a claw under the metal lip, and gave it an easy pull. The steel blade slid out with a low hiss, tension tightening against my arm as the spring fought back. Tough recoil. I let it snap back into the housing with a clean crack, then pressed the sliding lock switch with my thumb to test the latch. Held fast. Solid piece of iron.