The offer of hospitality seemed to offend her even more. Her face flushed a mottled red. "I do not want your food. I want you to shut this down. Now. If you don't, I am calling the authorities."
Sarah stepped forward, her maternal instincts flaring. "Barbara, please. There is no need for this. We are just a family having lunch in our own backyard."
"This is your last warning," Barbara sneered, pulling her smartphone from her pocket.
Marcus sighed, turning back toward his grill. "Do what you feel you have to do, Barbara. But we aren't stopping our barbecue."
Chapter 4: The 911 Call
Barbara didn't hesitate. She dialed 911 right there on the sidewalk, pacing back and forth so the Hayes family could hear every word.
"Yes, hello? Police? I need an officer dispatched to 424 Maple Drive immediately," she said, her voice dropping into a breathless, panicked register that was entirely fabricated. "I have neighbors who are acting aggressively. They are operating an illegal, massive fire, and they are refusing to put it out."
Marcus and Sarah exchanged a look of disbelief.
"Yes, I feel very threatened," Barbara continued, eyeing Marcus, who was literally just flipping a burger with a spatula. "They are... they are not from around here. I don't know what they're capable of. Please send someone fast."
She hung up, a smug smile of triumph playing on her lips. "They're on their way. We'll see who belongs in this neighborhood now."
"Kids," Sarah said quietly, "go inside for a minute."