Lorraine’s face turned scarlet. "I will place a lien on your property! I will bury you in legal costs and foreclose on this house before that fence is finished!"
"Could you repeat that for the camera?" Daniel asked calmly.
The Staged Fall
A few days later, Daniel walked Bruno near the neighborhood park. The Rottweiler wore his official red vest marked: SERVICE DOG — DO NOT DISTRACT.
Lorraine stepped onto the middle of the sidewalk, blocking their path with arms folded.
"Move, please," Daniel said.
"This path is for residents in good standing," she snapped. "You owe thousands in fines."
"Bruno, sit," Daniel commanded. The dog dropped to his haunches instantly.
Lorraine looked around, noticed several neighbors watching from nearby lawns, and suddenly threw herself forward. She flailed her arms, screamed at the top of her lungs, and dropped dramatically onto the turf.
"Help! He attacked me! The dog knocked me down!" she shrieked, clutching her ankle.
Neighbors rushed over in outrage. Someone called 911. Police cruisers arrived with sirens wailing, officers emerging with hands near their holsters.
"Step away from the dog!" an officer ordered.