As he stepped into the courtyard, he added, "Next time they try to give you trouble when your partner isn't home, just come find me. I'm the officer assigned to this area. Now that this is settled, please sign here."
Cecilia Adler signed as requested and enthusiastically offered to see him out.
It was a hot summer.
Most of the neighbors left their doors open.
Whenever she passed an open door and saw a neighbor, she would call out a greeting.
They'd casually ask if she had gotten her stove back yet.
Cecilia Adler would say, "I did, thanks to this officer's help. It's infuriating! They took my stove to barbecue meat—it's insane. They have their own stove, they're just bullying me."
"Next time, make sure to bolt your door when you're home alone."
Cecilia Adler replied, "Okay, ma'am! We'll chat again when you have time."
"Alright, take care."
"So, those neighbors of yours… they bully you often?" the young officer asked.
