Meanwhile, Patricia launched another effort to discredit me.
This time, she targeted my business.
A letter arrived at the office of one of my commercial clients.
It claimed that my residential property had been investigated for dangerous water waste and alleged that I had used my engineering credentials to intimidate an HOA official.
The letter wasn't signed.
But it included details from the dispute that hadn't appeared in public communications.
My client called.
He was an older businessman named Warren Cole, who managed several commercial properties around Phoenix.
We'd worked together for five years.
He sounded uncomfortable.
“Daniel, I got a strange letter.”
I sighed.
“I think I know what it's about.”
He explained.
Then asked whether there was anything I needed to tell him.
I took a breath.
“Yes.”
I provided a factual account and offered the relevant official records and technical documentation.
I didn't ask Warren to believe me simply because we'd worked together for years.
I wanted him to evaluate the information.
He listened.
Then said, “Daniel, I've seen the quality of your work.”
I nodded.
“Thank you.”
He continued.
“If somebody has a legitimate complaint about your professional services, I want to know. But I'm not going to treat an anonymous letter about your backyard as proof of misconduct.”
I felt relief.
“That's fair.”
He paused.
Then asked, “Is your family okay?”
I looked toward the photograph of Nadia and Lena beside my computer.
“We're managing.”
Warren's voice softened.
“Good. Let me know if you need anything.”
When the call ended, I sat quietly.
For a moment, I felt the anger return.
Patricia had already attacked my property.
Now someone appeared willing to damage my reputation and livelihood.
I forwarded the letter to Adrian.
He advised preserving it and avoiding speculation about its author until there was evidence.
Then he contacted the appropriate parties concerning the false and potentially damaging statements.
I looked toward the hallway.
Lena was drawing at the kitchen table.