A Ring of Steel

I followed the skirting board toward the quiet heat hum. Near the wall, a thick braided cable looped right in front of the narrow gap under the cast-iron radiator. I paused. It smelled of warm paint and settled dust. I did not crawl away. Leaning forward, I shoved my snout against the rubber sleeve with steady force. The heavy cord shifted aside with a faint scrape against the parquet floor. Hidden behind the metal pipe lay a solid steel ball bearing, completely smooth and reflecting the amber room light. I nudged it gently into the deep shadow with my left claw.