A Firm Grip on the Briefcase

My fingers twitched, tightening their hold around the black handle in my left hand. I felt the solid weight of the briefcase and the belt secured against my waist. Without hesitating, I adjusted my footing against the bright, bare surface, locking my knees into place. Everything was quiet, but order required immediate attention. I lifted the briefcase slightly off the floor, testing the balance of its hinges, and firmly set it down beside my boot. The ledger must balance.