“Store policy does not recognize late fees on pre-shift deliveries,” Julian said.
He didn’t wait for the wet voice behind the door to answer.
He slid the Store #04 Brass Cash-Drawer Key straight into the mortise lock.
Green salt crust grated against the brass bit with a dry scrape. Julian didn’t try to force the key in a full circle. In old commercial locks, a master drawer key tripped the spring-latch bypass rather than the deadbolt.
He pressed the key inward two millimeters and lifted the tip.
Inside the corroded lock case, three brass pins clicked into line.
Snick. Snick. Snick.
The heavy steel bolt slid back.
