She told herself she was being cautious.
She told herself that if everything was innocent, the police would simply check and leave.
That thought made the decision feel harmless.
Her thumb hovered over the screen.
Then she pressed 911.
"911. What is your emergency?"
The operator's voice was calm and professional.
Karen swallowed.
"There is a suspicious gathering happening at the house across from mine."
"What makes it suspicious?"
Karen looked through the window.
"There are a lot of people."
"How many?"
"I don't know. Maybe ten. Maybe fifteen."
"Are they fighting?"
"No."
"Are there weapons?"
"I don't know."
"Is anyone threatening you?"
"No."
The operator paused.
"Is there a specific behavior you're concerned about?"
Karen hesitated.
"They're acting... strange."
"Can you describe what you mean by strange?"
Karen stared across the street.
A child laughed.
Someone opened a cooler.
Marcus carried a tray of burgers to the table.
"I just don't know," Karen said.
"Okay. Are you somewhere safe?"
"Yes."
"Then stay inside. Officers can check the situation."
Karen exhaled.
"Thank you."
She ended the call.
For several seconds, she stood motionless.
She expected relief.
Instead, she felt something closer to guilt.
She looked outside again.
Nothing had changed.
Marcus was still grilling.
Tasha was still laughing.
The children were still playing.
Karen's stomach tightened.
She wondered whether she had made a mistake.
Across the street, Marcus's phone was inside the house.
He didn't hear the distant sirens at first.
Neither did Tasha.
The music was still playing.
The children were still laughing.
Then Jordan stopped.
"Dad?"
Marcus looked over.
"What?"
"Why are police cars coming here?"
Marcus turned.
Two patrol vehicles had just entered the street.
His smile disappeared.
Tasha slowly lowered the plate she was holding.
Andre hadn't arrived yet.
The police vehicles stopped in front of the Johnson house.
Two officers stepped out.
Then another.
The entire backyard seemed to go silent.
Marcus put down the grill tongs.
"Everybody stay calm."
Tasha looked at him.
"What is happening?"
"I don't know."
One officer approached the gate.