Violation of Community Aesthetic Standards. Unauthorized Landscaping & Noise Disturbance.
The fine at the bottom of the page made his stomach drop: $5,000. Payable within 7 days, or a lien would be placed on his home.
Daniel felt the trap snapping shut. He wasn't just dealing with a nosy neighbor; he was dealing with someone trying to bleed him dry.
Daniel didn't wait. He drove straight to the Cedar Grove community center, a lavish clubhouse paid for by the residents' exorbitant monthly dues. He pushed open the double doors of the management office. Patricia was sitting behind a mahogany desk, sipping tea. She smiled—a cold, practiced expression.
"Mr. Brooks. Paying your fine so soon?"
Daniel slammed the citation onto her desk. "Five thousand dollars for a noise complaint that the police already dismissed? This is extortion."
"Read the bylaws, Daniel," she said sweetly, not breaking eye contact. "Section 4, Paragraph B. The board has total discretion over punitive fines. You caused a disturbance. You brought police into our quiet neighborhood."
"You called them!"
"And I will do it again," she leaned forward, dropping the smile. "Some properties just aren't a good fit for certain people. If you can't afford the lifestyle here, perhaps you should list the house. I know a very generous cash buyer who would take it off your hands by Friday."
Daniel stared at her. It wasn't about the BBQ. It was never about the BBQ. She wanted the house.