He mentioned the pool being dirty—we thought he was just rambling.” Arthur folded his hands. “So you admit you went in.” Silence fell, broken only by the hum of the patrol car. The officers exchanged a glance, then sighed.
“Trespassing is still trespassing. You were warned. He has every right to treat his pool.” The neighbors erupted in protests, but the words were hollow now, their stained hair betraying every denial. Arthur stood quietly, the faint chemical tang still rising from the water behind him.