Night Watch by the Lock

I used the canvas strap to climb from the shoe bench up to its top wooden surface. Night had completely taken over the hallway. Right beside me, an open ceramic valet tray held a cluster of heavy steel door keys linked by a thick ring. I knelt beside the bowl, took the largest flat key in both hands, and levered it upright to inspect the notches cut into the brass shaft. Clean edges. Good bite. I set it down gently against the ceramic, leaned my back against the wall, and kept watch over the shadowed doorway.