“What do you mean?”
Michael looked toward the documents.
“We give these to the people handling the investigation.”
He closed the folder.
“Then we go back to being a family.”
Natalie smiled faintly.
For a moment, her eyes filled.
“That sounds good.”
It wasn't the end of the case.
But it was the first time Michael felt able to imagine a future in Cedar Hollow that didn't revolve around Evelyn Hartwell.
The board removed Evelyn from her position as HOA president in accordance with the association's governing procedures.
The leadership change happened at a properly called meeting after legal advice and review of the available evidence.
The association also began the separate process required to address her position as a director.
She protested.
Threatened lawsuits.
And claimed she was being punished for protecting neighborhood safety.
But the records had changed the conversation.
Residents were no longer debating whether Michael should have invited thirty-five people to his backyard.
They were asking why association money had been spent on questionable assessments and why potential conflicts hadn't been disclosed.
The board suspended disputed charges pending review.
It examined the status of collection activity.
And it worked with legal counsel to correct improper records and notify affected homeowners.
Peter and Helen Whitcomb received written confirmation that the unsupported charges associated with their unused fire pit had been withdrawn.
Peter brought the letter to Michael's house.
He stood in the doorway holding it with both hands.
For a moment, he seemed unable to speak.
Then he smiled.
“It's gone.”
Michael looked toward the paper.
“The charge?”
Peter nodded.
“All of it.”
His eyes filled.
“Helen's been sleeping better.”
Michael felt his throat tighten.
He stepped forward.
Then shook the older man's hand.
“I'm glad.”
Peter looked toward the backyard.
For a moment, he smiled faintly.
“Funny thing.”
Michael raised one eyebrow.
“What?”
“We came here because we thought neighborhood associations were supposed to make life easier.”
Michael laughed softly.
“Me too.”
Peter nodded.
Then looked toward him.
“Maybe we can make this one do that again.”
Michael considered.
Then smiled.
“I'd like to think so.”
Other homeowners received corrections as the review continued.
Some were reimbursed for unsupported charges.
Others required more complicated resolutions.
The association pursued appropriate recovery efforts concerning funds that had been improperly paid.
Those efforts took time.
Not every dollar returned immediately.
And some homeowners remained frustrated.
But the process became transparent in ways the neighborhood hadn't experienced under Evelyn's leadership.
Independent financial controls were strengthened.
Vendor relationships received closer scrutiny.
And significant expenditures required clearer documentation and approval.
Grace worked with the board to publish understandable financial summaries.
They weren't designed to impress residents with complicated terminology.