The Big Bang Read Online Free Page B

meeting was called to order at six P.M. on March first. Notices were sent out for the following covenant infractions: 12354 Melody Way for installing a basketball hoop without painting the backboard to match the trim work; 31724 Songbird Mountain Circle for…”
    The double doors banged open.
    Will Pierce-Cohn paused for a moment in the doorway, scanned the room—for allies, no doubt—and then entered looking his usual diminutive, unkempt self. The damp pits of his faded polo shirt threatened the paperwork tucked under his arm.
    Frank looked pointedly at his Bulova.
    “Sorry. My wife was tied up in a legislative session.”
    “Not a problem.” Despite irritation over the inevitable scuffle ahead, it was probably to his benefit to have Pierce-Cohn show up late, looking like the disheveled distraction everyone knew him to be, than absent and filing objections after the fact. If nothing else, Frank would get to see P-C’s reaction as the playground surprises unfolded.
    “I recall this meeting to order at seven past six.”
    Jane shook her head in what was surely a show of annoyance solidarity.
“A $100 fine was assessed to 19432 Meadow View Drive for repeatedly violating the
no nudity in backyard hot tubs
clause…”
    Frank chuckled along with everyone else.
    P-C sat expressionless, arms folded.
    “Under discussion,” Jane continued, “was a stray cat problem in the neighborhood. An inquiry committee has been appointed. Also announced was Henderson Homes’ offer to extend warranty coverage for driveway cracking and selected issues related to expansive soils in the Phase One cul-de-sacs. It was voted on and passed that the toilet tissue in the rec center be downgraded to reduce costs and impede spitball formation. The savings from this and other cost saving measures instituted over the past year allowed the board to consider and approve…”
    Frank nodded along as Jane detailed the increase in suburban crime and the security system she’d negotiated for the community center to combat said dangers. Melody Meadow Ranch didn’t have webcams to keep tabs on the kiddies as they frolicked in the fountain like the Stapleton development or to ensure safe shopping like the Bel Mar Main Street, but at least the assets of the rec center would now be secure.
    On his cue, his wife, Maryellen, padded silently toward the art supply closet.
    Frank smiled watching P-C watch Maryellen disappear among the easels and paints. While Frank preferred his slim, schoolgirl pretty wife in colors, he’d had her wear an earth-toned skirt and blouse tonight so she wouldn’t distract anyone from the oversized metal cart she extracted from the closet.
    Jane finished discussing the details of the security install, threw in a subtle but preapproved pitch for her home security business, and uttered the word
playground
. Maryellen rolled the cart into the center of the room and halted in front of the podium, as planned.
    Not part of the plan was the floral scarf she’d added to her ensemble.
    Frank strode around from behind the board members, stopped beside the cart, and shot Maryellen a quick look before she returned to her seat.
    “Ranchers…” He pinched the coarse linen cloth covering the contents of the cart between his fingers. “I present to you the prototype for our new community playgrounds.”
    He tugged the sheet.
    In the center of an open Plexiglas box, a diorama of a tri-level play structure nestled in a soft bed of pale sand. Plastic children smiled mid-swing from the monkey bars. Smiling mothers tended to plump babies on cozy benches beneath the shade of towering shade trees.
    The enthusiastic oohs and aahs hardly did his display justice.
    “Frank.” Pierce-Cohn’s voice warbled like he was in the throes of puberty.
    “Discussion hasn’t been called yet,” Jane said.
    “I’ll allow it.” With the warm response of the crowd, Frank didn’t have to force his smile. “Mr. Pierce-?”
    P-C was on his feet before Frank