"But my kids swing set. Existing structures will be grandfathered in." Linda cut her off smoothly. This only applies to newer residents. Reginald's phone captured every word as Linda outlined more targeted rules.
No parking on the street between 6:00 p.m. And 6:00 a.m. No gatherings of more than three non-resident youth without prior HOA approval. Mandatory security cameras facing the street. Additionally, Linda's smile turned predatory. We'll be implementing a new approval process for any exterior modifications. This includes paint colors, landscaping, and security measures like cameras or lighting.
Ms. Alvarez's hand shot up. And who exactly will be on this approval committee? The board will select qualified residents who understand proper community standards, Linda replied smoothly. You mean people who will do whatever you tell them? M Alvarez said sharply.
Linda's smile tightened. I'm simply trying to protect property values and community safety. Surely we all want that. Her eyes flickered to the carters. Unless some people have something to hide.
Angela started to rise, but Reginald placed a gentle hand on her arm. His phone kept recording. These new rules will require a significant increase in enforcement, Linda continued. So, we'll be expanding our security team. You mean those fake cops who tried to grab my son?
Angela's voice cut through the room like a whip. Linda's face flushed. Our community enforcement officers are volunteers who illegally impersonated law enforcement. Regginald's calm voice carried from the back. Several heads turned.
"That was a misunderstanding," Linda snapped. "And if certain people would cooperate with security instead of causing trouble, what kind of trouble exactly?" Ms. Alvarez stood up, "Being black in their own neighborhood." The room erupted in overlapping voices. Mr. Wittmann and his group shouted about property values and standards, while others protested the obvious targeting of the rules.
"Order!" Linda banged her hand on the podium. This is exactly why we need stricter enforcement. Our community is being disrupted by people who don't understand our values. Your values, Linda, Miss Alvarez interrupted, not ours.
These rules will be implemented, Linda's voice turned cold. The board has already approved them. This meeting is merely a courtesy notification. Really? Reginald's voice remained steady.
Because according to HOA bylaws, any new rules requiring additional funding need a community vote, and I'm quite certain hiring private security, fake or otherwise, isn't in the current budget. Linda's face twisted. We have discretionary funds, which can't be used without membership approval, Ms. Alvarez added. I may be retired, but I can still read a budget. More voices joined in, questioning the rules, the costs, the obvious discrimination.
Linda's supporters grew louder, defensive. Rick and Dale shifted uncomfortably by the door as the meeting dissolved into chaos. Through it all, Reginald's phone kept recording as Linda's carefully constructed facade cracked, revealing more and more of her true intentions with every angry response. The afternoon sun blazed overhead as Malik approached the community pool. He needed to cool off after his morning run, both from the heat and the stress of everything happening.
His blue pool membership card felt sweaty in his palm as he walked through the gate. Mrs. Peterson, one of Linda's friends, nudged another woman beside her. They both stared at him from their lounge chairs, whispering behind their sunglasses. A group of kids from school huddled at the far end of the pool, pointing and murmuring. Malik lifted his chin and walked toward an empty chair.