Then a voice came from behind the landscaping wall.
"Ma'am."
Patricia turned.
A man wearing a dark blue technician's shirt stepped into view carrying a testing kit, a clipboard, and a small digital meter.
He looked directly at her.
"Climb out immediately."
Patricia blinked.
"What?"
The technician walked toward the pool.
"Ma'am, climb out immediately—this pool was chemically treated this morning and isn't cleared for swimming yet."
The smile disappeared from Patricia's face.
Marcus looked at the technician.
"You heard him."
Patricia slowly looked down at the water.
"What do you mean, chemically treated?"
The technician held up the laminated notice.
"The circulation system was serviced, the water chemistry was adjusted, and the pool was placed under a temporary swimming restriction. The notice is posted at the equipment panel and on the pool gate."
Patricia looked toward the broken gate.
There was a second yellow notice hanging from it.
Her face went pale.
Marcus folded his arms.
"Now get out."