That’s not a legal document, I said.

It’s an official HOA record, Karen declared as if saying it with enough conviction would make it true.

And as president, I’m informing you that you’re in violation of multiple bylaws.

Unauthorized use of community property, harassment of community members, she gestured to Brandon, who was now recording this entire exchange on his phone and failure to comply with HOA directives.

Neighbors were starting to appear.

I could see curtains moving, doors cracking open.

Mrs.

Patterson was on her porch ringing her hands.

The Johnson’s were watching from their window.

Everyone wanted to see what was happening, but no one wanted to get involved.

They’d learned that lesson already.

The fines alone will be substantial.

Karen continued warming to her performance.

I’m talking thousands of dollars.

Plus, I’ll be recommending to the board that we pursue legal action to have you removed from the community entirely.

For using my own pool, I said flatly.

For violating community standards and showing complete disregard for our rules.

Brandon was grinning now, filming everything.

Probably already planning how he’d edit this for his social media.

This is going viral, dude.

Everyone’s going to see what happens when you mess with us.

I looked at Karen, then at Brandon, then at the neighbors watching from their houses, too afraid to speak up.

This had gone on long enough, not just today, but for months, years, really.

This whole neighborhood had been held hostage by these two, and everyone was too scared to do anything about it.

Karen, I said, climbing out of the pool and reaching for my towel.

I’m going to give you one last chance.

Take your son and leave my property.

Now, she laughed.

Actually laughed.

Or what you’ll call the police.

Please do.

I’d love to explain to them how you’re illegally occupying community property and threatening HOA leadership.

I’m not threatening anyone.

I’m asking you to leave.

We’re not going anywhere.

Brandon chimed in, still recording.

This is our neighborhood.

You’re nobody.

Karen nodded, crossing her arms.

That’s right.

You moved here six months ago thinking you could ignore our rules, avoid our fees, do whatever you want.

Well, that’s not how Willowbrook Estates works.

We have standards.

We have order.

And people who don’t comply face consequences.

Consequences.

I repeated serious consequences.

Karen emphasized.

I’m calling an emergency HOA board meeting for Monday night.

We’re going to discuss your multiple violations and what actions need to be taken.