And as the proposed access road became increasingly important to Sterling Crest's investors, he began looking for other ways to make Evelyn reconsider.
By the time Officer Derek Mallory arrived at the Price property, Alan Pierce had spent forty minutes standing near the sidewalk waiting for him.
He had made the call himself.
Not through the ordinary emergency line, but through a neighborhood security contact who knew which officers frequently responded to Hawthorne Avenue complaints.
The report described an aggressive man confronting a neighbor at an elderly woman's house.
Alan claimed he was concerned about the homeowner's safety.
He didn't mention that the man was her son.
He didn't mention that the family had owned the property for decades.
And he certainly didn't mention that he had already argued with Evelyn about selling her home.
When Mallory pulled up, Alan approached the patrol car before the officer had even finished parking.
โGlad you're here.โ
Mallory stepped out.
โWhat's going on?โ
Alan pointed toward Marcus.
โThat guy's been causing trouble.โ
Marcus was standing beside the porch railing, examining a loose wooden bracket.
He had a screwdriver in one hand and a small cardboard box of replacement screws resting on the porch steps.
Nothing about his activity suggested violence.
But Alan lowered his voice.
โThe homeowner's an elderly woman. I've been trying to make sure she's all right.โ
Mallory looked toward Marcus.
โHe live here?โ
Alan shrugged.
โThat's what he claims.โ
The officer frowned.
โYou know him?โ
Alan hesitated.
For a moment, he considered telling the truth.
He knew Marcus was Evelyn's son.
He remembered seeing him visit over the years.
But acknowledging that fact would weaken the complaint he'd just made.
So he answered differently.
โNot well enough to trust him.โ
Mallory nodded.
He looked toward the young man.
Then toward the house.
For several seconds, he remained beside the patrol vehicle.
Alan waited.
Then added.
โHe's been getting aggressive with people who ask questions.โ
Mallory's expression hardened.
โAll right.โ
Alan stepped backward.
The officer adjusted his sunglasses.
Then walked toward Marcus.
What happened next took less than ninety seconds.
The first question.
The accusation.
The shouting.
The shove.