Summary

Pages 183 – 205. In 1950’s San Francisco, protagonist Alexi, newly released after a year in prison, takes temporary custody of his son Benny from his (Alexi’s) resentful wife Katherine. After confirming arrangements for Alexi to return Benny, Alexi leaves with Benny in a borrowed car, heading to the house of a friend of a friend for the weekend.

When they arrive, Benny seems very happy, and at first Alexi (who is, narration reveals, an actor) is as well. But then the views from the house’s many windows seem upsetting and Alexi, reveling in his first opportunity to be spontaneous in a long time, tells Benny they’re going to take off for another part of the state. They head for the Napa Valley, where Alexi spent time with the producers of a film that he was convinced was going to be...