Slotted Iron

Too much open space above. I stalked the floor edge, keeping close to the skirting board. Found a low recess beneath a heavy metal radiator. Cold iron fins. Narrow slots. I halted, crouched low, and wedged my claw between two cooling ribs. Applied weight. Metal held fast. No bend, just a resonant dull ping through my joint struts. Safe. I settled into the shadow behind the pipes to monitor the room.