Caroline considered herself a protector of the community.
She would later tell people that she was simply trying to keep the neighborhood safe.
But Marcus had always experienced her differently.
He remembered the first time she had approached him.
It had been shortly after he moved in.
She had stood at his driveway and asked how long he intended to keep his work truck there.
Marcus had politely explained that it was his vehicle.
Caroline had smiled.
"Of course," she'd replied.
But there had been something in the way she said it.
Something that made Marcus understand that the conversation wasn't really about the truck.
Then there had been the incident involving his lawn.
Then his trash cans.
Then a complaint about the lights on his back porch.
Each time, Caroline had found a reason to question him.
Marcus had learned to keep his answers short.
He didn't want trouble.
He had a demanding job and two children who depended on him.
His wife had passed away three years earlier after a long illness, and since then, Marcus had tried to build a peaceful life for his family.
His daughter, Tasha, was studying at college.
His son, Jordan, worked part-time while finishing high school.
The house was the one place Marcus could control.
At least, he thought it was.
Now Caroline stood in his backyard with two police officers behind her.
Marcus looked at the officers.
Neither appeared aggressive.
One was younger, perhaps in his thirties.
The other was older, with a serious expression.
Both remained several feet behind Caroline.
Marcus turned back toward her.
"Why are the police here?"
Caroline pointed toward the table.
"You have people here."
Marcus blinked.
"Yes."
"It's Sunday."
"I know."
"There are rules about gatherings."
Marcus almost laughed.
"Gatherings?"
Caroline nodded.
"You cannot just have people coming into this neighborhood."
Marcus looked toward the fence.
Then back at her.
"This is my backyard."
Caroline's face tightened.
"I understand that you believe that."
The sentence struck Marcus harder than she probably intended.
He slowly placed his food down.
"What exactly are you saying?"
Caroline stepped closer.
"I received a complaint."
"From who?"
She didn't answer.
Marcus looked at the officers again.
"Did somebody call the police?"
One of the officers finally spoke.
"We're here because of a reported disturbance."
Marcus looked around.
There was no disturbance.
No shouting.