She immediately changed her tone.
"It's a warning about compliance."
He nodded.
"Then I would appreciate it in writing."
She ended the call.
The engineer stared at the phone.
For several seconds, he did not move.
Then he saved a dated note describing the conversation.
The warning was troubling.
But what happened the next weekend was worse.
His daughter was returning from a school event when she noticed the HOA president standing beside the backyard gate.
The girl had just stepped out of her grandmother's car.
She wore jeans, sneakers, and a yellow T-shirt.
Her backpack hung over one shoulder.
The blonde woman stood near the gate holding a clipboard.
Beside her was the red-haired friend in turquoise athletic clothes.
They were examining the lock.
The girl stopped.
"Hello?"
The HOA president turned.
Her expression changed immediately.
Then she smiled.
"Well, hello, sweetheart."
The girl recognized her.
The woman often attended neighborhood events.
She had given speeches at the clubhouse.
And once presented the girl's school with a small donation.
"What are you doing?"
The blonde woman looked toward the gate.
"Checking safety access."
The girl frowned.
"Did my dad ask you to?"
The woman's smile tightened.
"We're with the HOA."
The girl looked toward the lock.
Then back at her.
"My dad says nobody should come into the pool without asking."
The red-haired friend laughed lightly.
"Your father is very protective."
The HOA president crouched slightly.
"Sweetheart, the HOA helps keep everyone safe."
The girl nodded politely.
She had been taught to respect adults.
But she also remembered her father's rules.
"No one can use our pool unless he's there."
The woman's expression hardened.
For a brief moment, the smile vanished.
Then she spoke.
"Your father doesn't always understand how the community works."
The girl became uncomfortable.
She looked toward the front door.
Then whispered, "I should go inside."
The blonde woman stood.