A Snug Grip

A narrow gap between two rusted wall struts hid something round and ribbed. I paused, tilting my head with a sharp chatter, and poked the shadows with a dry twig. Out rolled a ribbed black rubber bottle stopper, dusty but solid. I tested its squish between both palms—stiff and springy! Using the braided copper wire looped around my wrist, I threaded the flexible cord straight through the stopper's hollow center hole. A quick double-knot tied it tight, turning the heavy rubber plug into a weighted grappling bob. Utini!