Too many people expected investigators to identify a villain within minutes of hearing a complaint.
Camila wasn't interested in satisfying my anger.
She wanted the facts.
She examined the dates.
The HOA notices.
The repair invoices.
And the correspondence with Patricia.
Then she asked something that surprised me.
“Have other homeowners reported similar damage?”
I hesitated.
“I know of two people who've complained about irrigation problems after disputing HOA notices.”
Camila looked up.
“Who?”
I gave her their names.
One was a retired teacher named Evelyn Parker, who lived across the street.
The other was a young father named Luis Moreno, whose family had moved into the neighborhood the previous year.
Camila wrote both names down.
Then asked whether they had reported the problems to police.
“I don't know.”
She nodded.
“That's something we'll check.”
For several seconds, the room was quiet.
Then she looked toward the framed photograph on my desk.
It showed Nadia standing beside Lena, both holding small gardening tools.
The photograph had been taken shortly before Nadia's illness became severe.
Camila's expression softened.
“Your family?”
I nodded.
“My wife and daughter.”
She studied the picture.
Then looked toward me.
“Is your wife home?”
I took a breath.
“She died two years ago.”
The detective's expression changed.
“I'm sorry.”
I nodded.
“Thank you.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then I looked toward the garden through the window.
“Nadia designed those flower beds. My daughter and I planted them after she died.”
Camila followed my gaze.
I continued.
“That's why I care so much about the damage.”
The detective's expression softened.
Then she said something that stayed with me.
“Mr. Brooks, you don't need a sentimental reason for someone else's deliberate property damage to matter.”
I looked toward her.
She continued.
“But I understand why this particular place is important to your family.”
For several seconds, I couldn't speak.
Then I nodded.
Camila closed the first folder.
“Let's get the complete records and see where they lead.”
That was the beginning of the investigation.