I sat down in the driver’s seat and set the blue ceramic mug in the plastic cup holder between the seats.

I left the headlights off.

I put the Buick in reverse and let it roll backward down the long gravel driveway on gravity alone, keeping my foot light on the brake until the back tires met the smooth asphalt of Shea Boulevard.

I shifted into drive and let the engine idle for three seconds while the electric gate slid closed behind me.

I took the yellow house drawing out of my pocket and laid it flat on the dashboard above the speedometer.