Frank stopped at the chained gate, his weathered face calm and unyielding against the rising wind.
"Move your SUV," Frank said in a measured, firm baritone.
Veronica tossed her blonde hair with contemptuous arrogance: "This access road cuts through the boundary of our newly approved Millbrook luxury subdivision! Heavy agricultural eyesores and commercial dust violate our development aesthetics! You have no right of way here!"
Chapter II: The County Document
Frank didn't shout. He didn't reach for bolt cutters.
Instead, he opened the heavy manila folder tucked under his arm and unfolded a crisp, white legal document stamped with the official gold seal of COUNTY CALDWELL — AGRICULTURAL PERMITS & DEEDS.
Frank held the document flat through the steel bars of the gate, pointing his thumb directly at the bold signature block on the bottom line.