Paola, holding the church key, turned to gaze past Profane's left
ear at what glittered in Stencil's hand. (416.4)
Had to look that one up. A "church key" is a device with a triangular point
at one end for making holes in the tops of cans.
Stop Press: Pynchon writes about beer, is therefore a "beer writer"?
: )
best