Then she stood.
“I have devoted years to protecting this neighborhood.”
Miriam nodded.
“Then you should welcome an independent review.”
Patricia stared.
The room became silent.
Finally, she gathered her folder.
“You're making a mistake.”
She turned and walked out.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then Clara looked toward the remaining directors.
“We need to proceed carefully.”
They voted to suspend the disputed contractor-enforcement program pending review and commission an independent audit of the relevant expenditures.
They also directed management to preserve communications, invoices, and board records associated with CanyonMark.
The decision was not a declaration that everyone involved was guilty.
It was a recognition that the existing process could not continue without scrutiny.
Patricia was furious when she learned the board had approved the measures.
She called Richard Voss that evening.
He was sitting in his office reviewing contracts for a residential development project.
When he answered, she began shouting.
“They've frozen the program!”
Richard looked toward his desk.
“What?”
“Miriam has convinced the board to hire auditors.”
For several seconds, he was silent.
Then asked, “What exactly are they reviewing?”
“Everything.”
Richard closed his eyes.
“Patricia, I told you this arrangement needed proper disclosure and approval.”
She stared at the wall.
“You said CanyonMark would be profitable.”
“I said the company could provide legitimate services.”
She folded her arms.
“The homeowners needed new irrigation systems.”
“Some of them probably did.”
Her voice sharpened.
“Then what's the problem?”
Richard took a breath.
“The problem is that you're supposed to act in the association's interests, not use your position to guarantee work for a connected business.”
Patricia was silent.
Then she whispered angrily.
“You're turning against me too.”
Richard rubbed his forehead.
“I'm telling you to cooperate with the audit.”
She ended the call.
For a long time, she stood in her enormous living room holding the phone.
Then she opened her black leather folder.
Inside were contractor proposals, HOA notices, and copies of the compliance program materials.