"Elected by who?" I cut her off. "Because the last time I checked, there was no election. You just showed up one day with a clipboard and decided you were queen."
She bristled, glaring at me like I'd spat on her crown. "Someone has to maintain standards. Without rules, people like you would run wild. Junk in your yard, noisy machines disturbing the peace. I'm keeping order."
"Order?" I gestured toward my cabin. "That generator keeps my fridge running, my lights on, and my water pump working. It's not junk; it's survival. And you don't get to just steal it because your little fantasy HOA says so."
Her tone turned icy. "If you don't comply, I'll report you to the authorities."
"Report me for what? Owning property? Generating my own power?"
"For endangering the community," she snapped, clearly improvising. "Gasoline engines are a fire risk. I could have the fire marshal condemn your setup."
I shook my head slowly, letting her see my disbelief. "So, let me get this straight: you sneak into my yard, tap into my power without permission, and now you're threatening to report me? Do you hear yourself?"
She waved her hand dismissively, like brushing off an annoying fly. "I'm protecting the neighborhood. You should be thanking me."
I clenched my jaw. She wasn't going to admit guilt; people like her never do. But if she thought she could bully me into backing down, she had another thing coming.
"I'll give you one chance," I said evenly, staring her down. "Disconnect the line today, or I'll handle it myself."
Her eyes narrowed, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of uncertainty. But it vanished as quickly as it came, replaced with that familiar arrogance. "Do your worst. The neighbors are already on my side. They're sick of your noise and your independence. You think you're above the rules? Well, you're not above the rules."
I laughed coldly. "Karen, the only rules out here are property lines, and you crossed mine."
The standoff stretched in silence, the lake breeze rustling the pines above us. Finally, she turned on her heel and slammed the door, leaving me standing there with my blood boiling.
But she wasn't done. Oh, no, not by a long shot.