A Slender Silver Clip

Khhh... Leaving the chilling yard behind as night thickened, I squeezed back through the door seam and retreated under the low wooden credenza. Deep in the dark corner against the baseboard rested a smooth, slender metal hairpin. Click-kkt! Crouching flat on my belly, I slid my elongated claws under the cool, flat wire. I levered my wrists and prised the two polished prongs apart. Shhk-twang! The springy metal slipped from my grip, vibrating against the dark oak slats with a sharp, humming chime. A sudden settling groan echoed from the timber above; I dropped flat instantly, neck retracted and throat vibrating in harsh, defensive clicks. When the room fell still, I reached back out, nudging the shining hairpin beneath my chest to rest.