Trunk Latch issue

So my friend and I were replacing the gas cap on my 67 coupe. We undid the screws at the top of the latch cover that also covers the gas pipe. Well, the little key latch spring and 2" piece of metal popped out. I went inside to grab my manual and he closed the trunk. So now the key doesn't unlatch the trunki and I was hoping someone knew a trick which did not include me pulling our my back seats and going in that way. Anyone that has ideas besides smacking my friend around would be appreciated as I want to install my new sequential LED taillights.
 
I can't think of anything, the rear seat is really easy to remove. Pull up on bottom lip to unclip and pull forward to remove bottom. You will see 2 screws holding the bottom of the seat back on, remove those and pull up on the seat back = seats are out and your FRIEND can crawl in the trunk with a flashlight and screwdriver and turn the latch to release. THEN hit him in the head.
Jon
 
Yeah, I used to get into Mustang trunks in junkyards all the time by taking out the rear seat. A really long (or several 1' ratchet extensions) makes this pretty easy. Amazing what I'd find back there, because other scroungers were unable to get into the trunk.