Marcus released the four massive, snow-white birds into his backyard. They immediately established a perimeter around the koi pond, honking assertively at the wind. Marcus smiled, setting up an automatic feeder and a small shelter. His sanctuary was now a fortress.
To ensure he was entirely protected from any legal liability, Marcus drove to the local hardware store and had a custom metal sign printed. It was bright yellow, with bold black lettering. He mounted it at eye level, directly beneath the heavy brass padlock on his oak gate.
The sign read: WARNING: PRIVATE PROPERTY. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. PREMISES PATROLLED BY AGGRESSIVE GUARD ANIMALS. DO NOT ENTER.
He took a photo of the sign, time-stamped it, and sent a copy to his lawyer just to be safe. He had drawn his line in the sand. Now, all he had to do was wait for Patricia to cross it.
The moment arrived on a Thursday morning. Marcus had pulled his SUV out of the driveway and parked it three blocks away, walking back to his house through the alley to monitor his security cameras from his home office.
At 10:15 AM, Patricia arrived. She was accompanied by a nervous-looking teenage boy wearing a locksmith company uniform. Patricia pointed aggressively at the brass padlock. The kid hesitated, pointing at the bright yellow warning sign. Patricia swatted her hand dismissively, clearly telling the boy that the sign was a bluff and threatening his employment if he didn't comply.