Plaything in one's palm
"Is everything alright, Mr. Lynn? You look pale."
Lynn forced himself to turn away from the painting. His hands were shaking. He clenched them into fists. "I'm fine," he said, his voice hollow. "I've just seen all I need to see here."
He walked out of the gallery, the bright sunlight feeling harsh and accusing. The cage was still there, but now a serpent had slithered inside, offering him a key made of lies and half-truths. And Lynn, his heart burning with a renewed, righteous fury, was seriously considering taking it.