My sister's voice softened.
“I know.”
I stared toward the floor.
“She had a hammer, Renee.”
There was another pause.
Then she said, “Don't confront her again. Let the detective handle it.”
“I am.”
“Good. I'll come over.”
I nodded.
“Thanks.”
When I returned outside, Camila had requested assistance from uniformed officers, who were on their way. She'd also begun documenting the visible damage and asking Patricia questions about how she entered the property.
Patricia claimed she'd used the side gate because the homeowner hadn't responded to previous requests for access.
Camila asked whether she had permission to enter that day.
Patricia referred to the HOA declaration.
The detective asked whether the declaration authorized her to enter a fenced private backyard and damage equipment without the owner's consent.
Patricia's expression tightened.
“The association has enforcement rights.”
Camila remained calm.
“Please identify the specific right you're relying on. We'll review the documentation.”
Patricia opened her handbag and removed a printed notice.
It bore the Mesa Verde Estates logo and a heading announcing an emergency irrigation compliance action.
I recognized the document.
It was similar to one I'd received a week earlier, claiming the HOA might arrange corrective work if I failed to replace the existing sprinkler heads.
But the notice I'd received did not contain an effective date authorizing entry or any court order granting access.
I handed my copy to Camila.
The detective compared them.
For several seconds, she remained silent.
Then she looked toward Patricia.
“Are these supposed to be the same notice?”
Patricia leaned forward.
“Yes.”
Camila pointed toward a section near the bottom.
“The document you're carrying contains additional language that isn't on Mr. Brooks's copy.”
Patricia blinked.
“That's because his copy was preliminary.”
I stared.
The detective continued.
“When was this version issued?”
Patricia hesitated.
“Recently.”
“By whom?”
“The compliance office.”
Camila nodded.
“Who approved it?”
Patricia looked toward her handbag.
Then answered, “I did.”
For a moment, the detective's expression didn't change.