For several seconds, the women stared at one another.
Then the older woman stepped backward.
She smiled coldly.
“You're going to regret being difficult.”
The homeowner remained still.
“Is there anything else?”
The president looked toward the interior again.
“I know someone's in there.”
The younger woman didn't answer.
The president continued.
“And I know you think connections and expensive clothes will protect you.”
The homeowner studied her.
Then said quietly, “Have a good day.”
She closed the door.
For a moment, she stood in the hallway listening to the president's heels click down the porch steps.
Then her mother appeared.
“Who was that?”
The daughter sighed.
“The HOA president.”
The chief raised an eyebrow.
“The one sending the notices?”
“Yes.”
Her mother looked toward the door.
“What did she want?”
“To explain that she doesn't believe I own the house.”
The chief stared.
Then laughed in disbelief.
“After the closing records you've shown me?”
The daughter nodded.
“Apparently.”
Her mother shook her head.
“Let your attorney handle it.”
“I am.”
The chief studied her.
Then asked, “Has she threatened you?”
The daughter hesitated.
“Nothing specific enough that I'd describe as a direct threat of violence.”
Her mother nodded.
“Keep documenting the encounters.”
“I will.”
The chief looked toward her watch.
“We should get going soon.”
The daughter smiled.
“Let me find my handbag.”
She didn't know the president was standing beside the driveway, already calling the police.
The HOA president told the dispatcher that an unauthorized occupant was refusing to leave a property under association control.
The dispatcher asked whether the caller owned the house.
The president answered that she represented the community.
The dispatcher asked whether there was an immediate threat.
The older woman hesitated.
Then claimed the occupant had behaved aggressively and refused to provide identification.
The dispatcher entered the information.
Two officers were assigned.
The older officer recognized the address.
He knew the HOA president.
He had handled her complaints before.
He told his younger partner that the caller was a respected community leader.
The younger officer, thirty-one years old with short blond hair and a calm demeanor, asked whether there was an actual trespassing complaint from the property owner.
The older officer shrugged.
“HOA dispute.”
The younger man frowned.
“Then why are we going?”
“Because she called.”
The answer bothered him.
But he didn't argue.
They arrived several minutes later in a black-and-white police cruiser.
The HOA president met them beside the driveway.