The petition requested discussion and votes concerning:
-
governance;
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the fine schedule;
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conflicts of interest;
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enforcement practices;
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financial records;
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and director accountability.
It did not accuse Bettina of a crime.
It did not demand her resignation.
Cecily insisted on that.
“Every sentence needs to survive a hostile reader,” she told Darnell.
The petition was delivered by certified mail.
Bettina received it.
Three days later, Darnell received a handwritten letter.
She accused him of harassment.
Intimidation.
Destroying community unity.
She demanded that he withdraw the petition.
Otherwise, she wrote, she would “involve appropriate authorities.”
Darnell photographed the letter.
Cecily told him not to answer.
He didn't.
Then Cody came back.
Take the Bags
Cody stood behind Darnell's trunk.
“My mom says you owe us.”
Darnell looked at him.
“Excuse me?”
“Hand over the bags.”
The teenager wasn't smiling.
Darnell slowly placed the groceries on the driveway.
“Son, think carefully about what you just said.”
“Or what?”
“You're sixteen.”
“I know.”
“Then you're old enough to understand that people don't get to take someone else's property because they say they're owed money.”
Cody folded his arms.
“My mom runs the HOA.”
“No.”
Darnell's voice remained calm.
“She serves as president.”
Cody's confidence slipped.