“No,” the treasurer said. “We're reviewing months of complaints, unauthorized notices, and financial records that don't reconcile.”
The president's eyes shifted toward her.
“What financial records?”
The treasurer opened a folder.
“The safety assessment charges.”
The president straightened.
“Those are legitimate.”
“Then you should have no difficulty explaining them.”
“I've already provided invoices.”
“We have questions about the services described in those invoices.”
The president looked toward the attorney.
“Are you allowing this?”
The attorney nodded.
“Yes.”
For several minutes, the treasurer presented examples.
Two inspections billed to the father's property without supporting records.
Repeated charges to other homes.
Expenses approved under emergency authority for conditions that did not appear to constitute emergencies.
And invoices containing nearly identical descriptions despite supposedly different inspection findings.
The president responded with increasing irritation.
She claimed the contractor had performed the work.
She said homeowners were often absent during inspections.
She argued that routine safety assessments did not require photographs.
She insisted the board had been aware of the contractor's responsibilities.
Then the treasurer placed a document on the table.
“Are you related to the company's manager?”
The president stopped speaking.
The room became very quiet.
“What?”
“The contractor's registered manager. Is he your brother-in-law?”
The president looked toward the window.
“That has nothing to do with the quality of the work.”
The treasurer waited.
“Is he?”
The president gave an impatient sigh.
“Yes. He's married to my sister.”
The vice president closed his eyes briefly.
The attorney made a note.
The treasurer continued.
“Was that relationship disclosed when the association approved the contract?”
“It was common knowledge.”
“That isn't what I asked.”
The president looked offended.
“I didn't think I needed permission to hire someone competent.”
The treasurer pointed to the association's conflict-of-interest policy.
“Board members are required to disclose relevant financial and family relationships when participating in vendor decisions.”
The president waved a hand.
“There was no conflict. He does good work.”
“Then why isn't the relationship recorded in the minutes?”
The president did not answer.
The treasurer opened another document.
“And why were some of his invoices approved only by you?”
The president leaned forward.
“Because the rest of you never wanted to do the work.”
The vice president looked at her.
“That's not an answer.”
She stared around the table.
For the first time in years, the room was not responding to her authority.
Nobody was trying to appease her.
Nobody was waiting for her to announce the final decision.
They were asking questions.
And they expected answers.