Maybe your son just misunderstood their approach. Reginald leaned forward slightly. I was there. I witnessed it. And I spent 20 years with the FBI dealing with exactly this kind of then you understand how these things work.
The officer cut in again. Sometimes it's better to handle community matters within the community. He pushed the photos back across the counter. I'll file your report, but I wouldn't expect much follow-up. Meanwhile, at Oakidge High School, Malik sat in the cafeteria picking at his lunch.
The usual buzz of conversation surrounded him, but something felt off. He kept noticing quick glances in his direction, followed by whispered conversations. "Hey," a voice said quietly. "It was Marcus from the basketball team." He slid into the seat across from Malik, looking uncomfortable.
"You okay, man?" "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Marcus glanced around before leaning in. People are talking. My mom's on the HOA board with that Whitfield lady.
She came home yesterday all worked up about some emergency meeting. Malik's stomach tightened. What kind of meeting? They're saying. Marcus lowered his voice further.
They're trying to find ways to force your family out. Like pile up so many violations and fines that you'll have to move. From two tables over, Malik caught fragments of conversation. Causing trouble. Property values, not our kind of He stood up suddenly, his chair scraping loudly.
Several heads turned his way, then quickly looked away. His lunch sat halfeaten, but he couldn't stomach another bite. The rest of the school day passed in a blur. Every whispered conversation felt like it was about him. Every stare seemed hostile.
By the time the final bell rang, Malik's shoulders were tight with tension. He biked home as fast as he could, taking the long way around to avoid Linda's street. But when he pulled into his driveway, his heart sank. Another HOA notice was taped to the door. This one in a red envelope.
Inside, he found his mother already home from her nursing shift, still in her scrubs. Mom. Angela looked up, her face tight with anger. She was holding an identical red envelope already opened. You saw it, too?
What does it say? She pulled out the letter, her hands shaking slightly. Notice of non-compliant recreational equipment. She read aloud. The basketball hoop installed on your property exceeds height restrictions and creates an unsightly street view.
Immediate removal is required. Failure to comply within 48 hours will result in fines of $100 per day and possible leans against the property. But we've had that hoop for months, Malik protested. Nobody said anything before. Of course they didn't.
Angela's voice was bitter. Because before they weren't trying to. She stopped suddenly looking at Malik's face. How was school today? They know, he said quietly.