I pulled the cracked silver key ring from my cardigan pocket and laid it on the green desk blotter.

The five brass keys shone under the direct bulb.

I sat there in the quiet room, holding the heavy silver key ring under the desk lamp.

I laid the five brass keys flat against the wood before the knock came at the door.

The two detectives stood on the landing with their badges already visible in the dim hallway light.

Detective Harris, a tall man of forty-two with grey hair at his temples, motioned toward the kitchen table.