Luke read it twice.
Then called the association's management company.
The representative sounded confused.
She explained that the firm handled ordinary assessments, maintenance notices, and certain enforcement correspondence. The language in Luke's notice didn't match a standard form she'd seen.
Luke sent her a copy.
She promised to investigate.
Later that afternoon, she called back.
The notice had been prepared directly by Celeste's office rather than issued through the management company's usual system.
Luke asked whether the board had voted to require him to provide pool access.
The representative couldn't confirm such a vote.
She suggested he contact the board secretary.
Luke did.
The secretary, a retired accountant named Nora Ellis, responded the following morning.
Nora was sixty-two, gray-haired, meticulous, and rarely interested in neighborhood politics beyond keeping the association's records accurate.
She examined the notice.
Then called Luke.
"Did you sign an agreement allowing the HOA to use your pool?"
"No."
"Are you certain?"
Luke almost laughed.
"It's my backyard. I'm certain."
Nora was quiet for several seconds.
Then asked whether he'd received any money or other consideration in exchange for access.
Luke shook his head, forgetting they were speaking by telephone.
"No. Nothing."
Another pause.
Finally, she said, "Then I need to ask Celeste some questions."
Nora's questions irritated the HOA president.
During the next board meeting, Celeste described Luke as an uncooperative homeowner who refused to support community recreation programs.
She claimed that prior residents had enjoyed recreational access to the pool for years.
Nora asked whether there was a recorded easement.
Celeste said the association possessed historical access documents.
Nora requested copies.
The president promised to provide them later.
A board member asked whether the pool was covered by the association's liability insurance.
Celeste brushed aside the concern.
"We're only talking about small, informal gatherings."
Nora frowned.
"Then why are we discussing scheduled access and violation notices?"
Celeste's expression tightened.
"Because Mr. Bennett is creating unnecessary problems."
Nora remained calm.
"Even if he is difficult, that doesn't establish the association's right to use his property."
Several board members nodded.
Celeste looked offended.
For the remainder of the meeting, she avoided discussing the pool in detail.
But afterward, she approached Nora near the clubhouse entrance.
"You're undermining me."
Nora looked surprised.
"I'm asking for documentation."
Celeste folded her arms.