The third came from Patricia's attorney.
The first claimed Marcus had intentionally contaminated the pool.
The second requested an emergency board hearing.
The third threatened legal action.
Marcus read all three.
Then forwarded them to his attorney.
His attorney called twenty minutes later.
"Don't respond."
"I wasn't going to."
"Good."
"Can she sue?"
"She can try."
"Does she have a case?"
"Not based on what you've shown me."
Marcus leaned back.
"What about the dye?"
"Was it non-toxic?"
"Yes."
"Was it used according to the manufacturer's instructions?"
"Yes."
"Was the pool closed?"
"Yes."
"Was the notice posted?"
"Yes."
"Then the dye isn't your problem."
Marcus nodded.
"What is?"
"Her admission."
"What admission?"
"She entered private property without permission."
Marcus looked at the security footage.
"She said she had HOA authority."
"Which she didn't."
"Exactly."
His attorney paused.
"There's another issue."
"What?"
"The six women."
Marcus frowned.
"What about them?"
"Get their statements."
"Why?"
"Because they heard Patricia say she had authority."
Marcus understood.
"If they admit that, it proves she wasn't acting alone."
"Correct."
Marcus contacted the women.
Three refused to speak.
Two agreed.
The sixth called him herself.
Her name was Cheryl.
She sounded embarrassed.
"I want to apologize."
Marcus said nothing.
"I didn't know."
"I understand."
"Patricia told us you had agreed to let her use the pool."
Marcus's expression changed.
"She told you that?"
"Yes."
"Before you entered?"
"Yes."
"Did she say anything else?"
Cheryl hesitated.
"She said you were difficult."
Marcus sighed.
"That sounds like her."
"I should have asked."
"Yes."
"I know."
Cheryl's voice became quiet.
"I feel terrible."
Marcus softened.
"Just tell the truth."
"I will."
That afternoon, Cheryl gave a written statement.
The other women followed.
Their statements were nearly identical.
Patricia had told them she had authority.
She had told them the pool was effectively an HOA amenity.
She had told them Marcus had refused to cooperate with the neighborhood.
And she had invited them specifically to demonstrate that "the HOA could use the property."
Marcus's attorney read the statements.