2001 Ranger will not shift into Park

2001 Ranger will not shift into Park other gears OK fluid OK. I was about to land a boat but could not shift into Park. I found a 5/32nd hex 0.984″ x 0.229″ with 0.511″ of thread length, on the drivers side floor mat. After some assist getting the boat out I was able to drive 20 miles at speeds w/o any problems but can not shift into park or remove the key. It will start in Neutral which is off a position in the sequence.