Several markers appeared to be in positions that didn't correspond to the recorded information.
Thomas sat back.
"I don't like it."
I looked toward him.
"Why?"
He took a slow breath.
"Because those flags are showing people a boundary they may start believing without checking."
I nodded.
He continued.
"And if enough homeowners accept the wrong boundary, someone might persuade them to sign documents they don't fully understand."
For a moment, I stared toward the trees.
Then I asked whether Crestline had contacted the HOA.
Thomas nodded.
"More than once."
He opened another folder.
Inside was a copy of a public planning application referencing a proposed access corridor near Briar Glen.
I stared at the drawing.
The suggested route ran close to the rear boundaries of several homes.
Including ours.
For the first time, the HOA's sudden interest in backyard fences seemed less like routine maintenance.
And more like the beginning of something else.
The next HOA meeting was unlike any I'd attended before.
Judith had arranged for a representative from Crestline Development to give what she called an informational presentation about infrastructure improvements near the greenbelt.
The representative was a forty-six-year-old white man named Grant Keene.
He wore an expensive charcoal suit, polished brown shoes, and a silver watch that caught the clubhouse lights whenever he moved his hands.
He spoke smoothly.
Almost too smoothly.
He described improved stormwater management, increased property values, safer walking paths, and better emergency vehicle access.
Every proposal sounded beneficial.
But when he displayed the preliminary site drawing, I noticed a problem.
The proposed access corridor ran directly behind several houses.
Including Thomas Reed's property and ours.
I raised my hand.
Grant smiled.
"Yes, sir?"
"Does your company already own the land required for that access?"
His expression tightened slightly.
"We're in discussions with the relevant stakeholders."
I nodded.
"Which stakeholders?"
He glanced toward Judith.
She stepped forward.
"Ryan, let's let Mr. Keene finish."
I looked toward her.
"I'm asking a question about the drawing."
Judith folded her arms.
"And you'll have an opportunity to submit questions through the proper process."
I sat back.
For several minutes, Grant continued speaking.
Then he displayed another slide.
Boundary Clarification and Voluntary Property Agreements.
A murmur moved through the room.
Grant explained that homeowners whose landscaping might extend into association-maintained areas would be given opportunities to resolve the issue through updated agreements.
He described the documents as routine.
He said signing them could prevent future disputes.
Then he used a phrase that made Thomas sit straighter.