He thought the tension was fading.

Across the street, Trent was sitting inside his father’s SUV watching his phone.

His latest sparring clip had performed badly. The sponsorship company had emailed asking for “more compelling community-facing content” before its next review. Richard had shown him the message twice, as though Trent had personally failed the family by not making strangers watch enough video.

Eli climbed into the passenger seat.

“I don’t like this,” he said.

“You haven’t seen anything yet.”

“Exactly.”

Trent turned. “You said you’d film.”

“I said I’d film a challenge. Not whatever your dad’s been talking about.”

“It’s one guy. He’ll probably walk away.”

“Then leave him alone.”

Trent looked toward Joseph, who was laughing at something Marla had said. The older man’s ease irritated him more than a visible scowl would have.

“He thinks he’s better than everybody.”

“He asked you to slow down.”

“You sound like my mom.”

Eli sighed and checked his battery.

Richard opened the driver’s door.

“You boys ready?”

“Dad, I don’t think this is a good idea,” Eli said before he could stop himself.

Richard’s gaze sharpened.

“Then don’t film it, Eli. Someone else can.”

Trent hated that tone. It made refusing feel like surrender.

“We’re ready,” he said.

Richard reached into the back seat and pulled out a sealed plastic water bottle.

“Keep it playful,” he told his son. “A little splash. A few words. If he acts crazy, let everyone see it.”

“You keep saying that,” Eli said. “What if he doesn’t?”

Richard smiled.

“Then there’s no problem.”

But a few minutes later, as Trent was moving toward the picnic tables, Richard sent a message to a colleague.

*He’ll react. Watch the video tonight.*

At the grill, Joseph noticed Trent approaching before anyone else did.

The boy’s expression was too cheerful. Eli walked six feet behind him with his camera raised. A third young man drifted toward the table as though choosing a better angle.

Joseph had seen the same arrangement a hundred times in another context: one person creates a distraction while the others make sure they have a clear view of the result.