Patricia stepped closer. "Fine. If you won't help voluntarily, then I'll have to take other measures. Robert, document the temperature of Daniel's house versus the other homes. We'll need that for the lawsuit."
"Lawsuit?" I couldn't help but laugh. "You're going to sue me for not giving you free electricity?"
"For creating a public nuisance and for failing your duty as a community member. I've already spoken with our HOA attorney, and he agrees we have a strong case."
I doubted any lawyer had told her that, but I was curious now. "Tell you what, Patricia. Why don't you give me your attorney's name and number? I'd love to hear his legal theory on this."
She faltered for just a moment. "That's privileged information."
"It's really not, but okay." I pulled out my own phone. "Since we're escalating things, I should probably make a call, too. Give me just a second."
I dialed my supervisor at the city electrical inspection office, Tom Reynolds. He answered on the second ring.
"Tom, hey, it's Daniel. Sorry to bother you on a Saturday, but I need to report a potential electrical hazard in my neighborhood."
I explained the situation while Patricia and her board members stood there, their confidence visibly shrinking.
"So, let me get this straight," Tom said, his voice incredulous. "Your HOA president wants you to overload your personal generator to power her hot tub during a blackout?"
"That's the gist of it."
"And she's threatening you with fines if you don't?"