Barbarian at the Gate

   

 "Turn in here," said Billy.

    I looked at the sign for Lochmoor Acres, an exclusive gated community. "Here?"

    "Yes."

    "Do you know somebody who lives here?"

    "No ... just drive to the office."

    I turned into the driveway, but a gate at the guard house stopped me from going further. A uniformed man looked over at us and slid open a window. I buzzed down the car window.

    "Can I help you?" he said.

    I looked over at Billy. He leaned forward and said, "I want to talk to someone in the office."

    "Do you have an appointment?"

    "No, I just want to get some information."

    He looked at a computer screen, then leaned out the window. "May I see your license?"

    Billy pointed at me. "I don't drive ... you'll have to use his."

    I sighed and reached for my wallet, pulled out my license and handed to the man.

    He said, "Thank you," then retreated back into the guard house, typed something into the computer and handed back my license. "Take the first right past the big tree, the office will be on your left."

    "Thank you."

    He waved, the gate lifted and I pulled through, following directions to the office. I pulled into a parking space.

    "I'll only be a few minutes," said Billy. "I'm just getting some information."

    I nodded and watched him jump out of the car.

    A few minutes later he returned with a brochure and smile on his face. 

    "Well?"    

    "They have plenty of units for sale."

    "How much?"

    His smile faded. "They start at seven hundred and fifty."

    "Seven fifty?"

    Billy nodded. "Yeah."

    "That's out of my reach."

    Billy nodded again. "Mine too ... for the moment. We'll see next month."

    I started the car and pulled out of the parking space. "Could be that good, eh?"

    Billy smiled. "I might buy one for you and Cheryl, too."