clue.
Could It Just Be Wax From a Candle?
It sounds almost too simple—but yes!
Wax can travel surprisingly easily.
A person carrying a candle, decorative object, lantern, or other wax item near the entrance could accidentally leave a small amount behind.
Outdoor decorations can also be exposed to heat and movement, causing wax to drip or transfer onto nearby surfaces.
If the red wax is:
- Dripped downward
- Uneven
- Brittle
- Softened by heat
- Located on a surface near the lock rather than specifically inside it
then an accidental source becomes
