Taking the Lid

Ran straight down the back alley until an abandoned commercial dumpster blocked the way. Heavy steel lid was jammed down tight over a coil of thick industrial cable. I didn't hesitate. Shoved both boots into the greasy asphalt, wedged the barbed bat under the lip, and hoisted with everything I had. The hinges screamed. Rusty flake rained down across my knuckles. Lid cracked open two inches, then slammed against a chunk of iron angle. I jammed the free end of that salvaged rubber caster right into the gap, propping the steel jaw wide open. Grabbed the exposed braided cable. Heavy copper core inside. Mine now.