Neighborhood Watch Read Free

don’t play after eightP .M.”
    “Mrs. Del Marco has a point there,” Vincent said.
    “What’s the situation as of today?” Philip Slater asked.
    “Charles Dimas seeks relief and has asked us to render a finding,” Nikki said.
    Philip Slater leaned forward slowly into the light revealing his finely chiseled strong features.
    “The question before the committee is does a hanging garbage can used as a makeshift basketball hoop constitute an outside decoration? If so, it will fall under the regulations as set forth in article thirteen. What’s your pleasure?”
    “It’s certainly not intended to be a decorative piece,” Vincent said. “The kids are just amusing themselves. It could be worse; they could be throwing things into my garbage can,” he quipped, but no one laughed.
    “I would agree, but it is unsightly,” Sid commented. “Anything that adds or detracts from the overall appearance of one of our homes must fall under article thirteen, whether the homeowner considers it formally as a decoration or not. It’s the effect it has.”
    “Very good point, Sid,” Philip said.
    “I move the Del Marcos be cited,” Nikki said quickly. She glared at Vincent.
    “Second,” Sid added.
    “Vincent?”
    “If it’s the majority feeling . . .”
    “Don’t you have a mind of your own?” Phil Slater snapped.
    “Sure. I just thought . . . right. I agree.”
    “Nikki, send the Del Marcos our finding and give them the usual twenty-four hours,”
    Slater said.
    She nodded with satisfaction.
    “We have a request,” she continued. “From Paul and Kay Meltzer. Seems that a nearby satellite television company has come up with a new product—a dish that is well
    camouflaged by serving as a table umbrella as well. They would like us to reconsider article nine, section three, concerning antennas and other metal objects outside the home.”
    “I read about that,” Vincent said. “It doesn’t look bad.”
    “Have you seen one firsthand?” Philip Slater demanded quickly. He turned his gaze on him with a fury that made the investment banker shrink in his seat.
    “No, but—”
    “Then let’s form a committee of two to gather information about it before we make any decision we might later regret,” Philip Slater said. “Sid, would you accompany Nikki at your first opportunity?”
    “Of course,” Sid Levine said.
    “Fine. Nikki?”
    “That’s all I have,” she said closing her notepad. “Except to report that the Feinberg home is up for sale. It was advertised yesterday.”
    “Horrible,” Vincent muttered. Philip spun around to face him.
    “It’s horrible, but we’re lucky to be rid of such a negative resident.” Philip smiled, his lips stretching so quickly they looked as if they cut new space in his cheeks. “Emerald Lakes has a way of weeding out the rotten apples or,” he said, relaxing, “encouraging them to weed themselves out.” There was a heavy silence. “Anyone have anything else?”
    No one spoke. “Well then, I invite a motion to adjourn,” he said.
    “So moved,” Vincent said quickly. He was always the most eager to end the meetings, a fact not lost on Nikki who shook her head with her usual expression of disapproval.
    In the living room, Marilyn Slater rose from her seat and went out to the corridor just as the directors began to emerge from Philip Slater’s office.
    “Can I make coffee?” she offered. She was an attractive brunette with hazel green eyes and a svelte figure. Always nicely dressed, not a strand of her styled hair out of place, she personified elegance to the rest of the women at Emerald Lakes. Her makeup and jewelry, while striking, was a bit understated, subtle.
    Everyone looked at Philip whose face registered disapproval.
    “Not for me,” Nikki said.
    “I’ve got to get home,” Vincent said mournfully.
    “Me too,” Sid replied.
    “Next time, maybe. Good night,” Marilyn said. She watched them leave and then turned to Philip. “Productive