"I don't think it is."
Patricia left.
The gate closed behind her.
Marcus watched her walk toward the street.
Then he turned toward the pool.
The technician was still working.
"You okay?" the technician asked.
Marcus nodded.
"Yeah."
"You expected something like this?"
Marcus looked at the broken lock.
"Not exactly."
The technician smiled faintly.
"I've been doing pool maintenance for seventeen years."
"And?"
"People do strange things around swimming pools."
Marcus laughed.
"That's one way to put it."
The technician shook his head.
"But I've never had seven adults ignore a closed gate."
Marcus looked at him.
"Neither have I."
The technician packed his equipment.
"The dye will be completely gone after the flush."
"Good."
"And nobody was harmed."
Marcus nodded.
"That's what matters."
The technician hesitated.
"Still, you should replace the gate latch with something stronger."
"I will."
"Maybe install a second camera."
Marcus smiled.
"Already have one."
The technician laughed.
"Of course you do."
Marcus went inside.
Danielle called immediately.
She had seen the camera alert on her phone.
"What happened?"
Marcus sighed.
"You saw it?"
"I saw seven people in the backyard."
"You saw the dye?"
"Marcus."
She laughed.
"I'm sorry."
"No, you aren't."
"Not even a little."
Marcus sat at the kitchen table.
"She broke the gate."
"I know."
"She brought six friends."
"I know."
"She told them the HOA gave her access."
Danielle was silent.
Then she said:
"She actually said that?"
"On camera."
"Good."
Marcus looked at her.
"Good?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because last time she could claim it was a misunderstanding."
Marcus nodded.
"Not this time."
"Exactly."
Danielle paused.
"Did the police come?"
"Yes."
"Did they see the footage?"
"Yes."
"Did they see the dye?"
"Yes."
"Then let her explain all of that."
Marcus smiled.
"That's the plan."
But Patricia wasn't planning to explain anything.
She was planning to fight.
By the next morning, Marcus received three emails.
The first came from Patricia personally.
The second came from the HOA board.