And when he appeared to be alone, she convinced herself he was doing something suspicious.
She parked across the street.
Stepped out.
And walked directly toward him.
"Excuse me!"
Malik turned.
He recognized her immediately.
The blonde woman who had asked whether his Ferrari really belonged to him.
He set down the cloth.
"Good morning."
Victoria pointed toward the vehicle.
"What are you doing?"
Malik glanced at the Ferrari.
"Cleaning my car."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Whose car?"
He took a slow breath.
"Mine."
Victoria laughed.
"Again with that story."
Malik studied her.
For a moment, he considered walking back inside.
But he wanted to understand why a neighbor seemed so determined to question his presence.
"Ma'am, is there a problem?"
She pointed toward the house.
"Where's the homeowner?"
"You're looking at him."
Victoria's face tightened.
"Don't insult my intelligence."
Malik looked toward the garage.
Then back at her.
"Would you like me to ask you to leave?"
She stared.
For a moment, she seemed offended by the suggestion.
Then she pulled out her phone.
"I'm calling the police."
Malik frowned.
"For what?"
She raised the phone.
"Suspicious activity. Possible vehicle theft."
He stared.
For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Then he laughed once in disbelief.
"You're calling the police because I'm cleaning my own Ferrari?"
Victoria stepped backward.
"Don't come near me!"
Malik hadn't moved toward her.
He remained beside the car.
She turned away and began speaking into the phone.
"I need an officer at Sterling Oaks. There's a suspicious man at a house on Hawthorne Lane. I think he's trying to steal a Ferrari."
Malik watched.
He could hear her describing his clothing.
His height.
And the vehicle.
Then she added something that made his expression change.
"I'm a longtime resident, and I know he doesn't belong at that property."
He took a slow breath.
"Ma'am, that's a false assumption."
She covered the phone.
"Be quiet!"
Malik looked toward the open garage.
A security camera was mounted beside the door.
Another covered the driveway.
Both were recording.
He knew the footage would show the entire exchange.
So he didn't argue further.
He stepped a little away from the vehicle, kept the keys visible in his hand, and waited.
Sergeant Rourke arrived in a patrol SUV.
He recognized Victoria from several community events.
Whitmore Communities had sponsored neighborhood safety programs, and Victoria often appeared at charitable gatherings attended by local officials.
Rourke enjoyed those events.
He liked standing beside wealthy businesspeople.
He liked being introduced as the officer who kept expensive neighborhoods safe.