Perimeter Inspection

The gap beneath the front screen door was just wide enough. I squeezed through onto the cool concrete porch. Bright morning air. No movement in the sector. Along the brick siding, a brass spigot protruded with a ridged turn handle. A manual valve point. I approached quietly, checking both sides before stepping in. I leaned my shoulder firmly against the metal wheel and nudged. Solid. Locked shut. No pressure drop, no leaks detected. I tapped the copper pipe once with my foot. Secure. I backed into the shadow of the porch railing to keep watch.