The sun angles toward evening. Franklin flips a burger, watches Zoe teach Marcus proper beanbag technique, and thinks, This is what I worked for.
He doesn't see Patricia Whitman watching from three houses down. Doesn't notice her at the window, arms crossed, face set in judgment. Doesn't realize she's reaching for her phone. Not yet.
At 2:23 p.m., Patricia Whitman crosses Maple Street. Not on the sidewalk—a straight line from her driveway to Franklin's property, purpose in every step. A Ring doorbell three houses down captures everything; the timestamp will matter.
Franklin sees her coming, sets down his spatula. "Afternoon, ma'am. How can I help you?"
Patricia doesn't acknowledge the greeting. She stops at his driveway's edge, arms folded. "You need to shut this down immediately."
"I'm sorry?"
"This gathering violates our community standards. You need prior authorization from the homeowners association for outdoor events."
Franklin keeps his voice calm—twenty years of training. "Ma'am, this is a family barbecue. We have twelve people. Section 4.7 of the bylaws states that gatherings under fifteen—"
"I don't care what you think you read!" Patricia's voice sharpens. "I'm the president of this association. I decide what requires authorization."
Maya joins him. "We're happy to keep the volume down if—"
Patricia cuts her off. "This isn't about volume. It's about standards. This neighborhood has maintained certain expectations for forty years. We don't appreciate people moving in and immediately disrespecting our way of life."
The subtext hangs heavy; everyone hears it. Franklin's jaw tightens. His fists clench, then deliberately relax. Stay calm. Don't give her ammunition.
"Ma'am, we're not disrespecting anything. If there's a specific complaint—"
"You want specifics?" Patricia pulls out her phone. "Fine. I'm calling the police right now."
"That's not necessary."
"I'll decide what's necessary! There's a suspicious gathering at this address. I don't recognize most of these people. I don't feel safe with this activity in our family neighborhood."