When Rosa saw the recording, she looked toward the contaminated pool.
For a moment, her expression became troubled.
Then she turned toward Andre.
“Your family needs to stay away from the water and the affected surfaces until the area has been professionally assessed and cleared for use.”
Andre nodded.
“I understand.”
She continued.
“Don't attempt ordinary pool cleaning or treatment until the contamination and equipment condition have been evaluated.”
He took a breath.
“Understood.”
For a moment, he looked toward the beautiful blue water.
It was no longer blue near the steps.
The surface carried a cloudy, uneven discoloration.
Small particles drifted toward the skimmer.
And the smell had reached the patio doors.
He thought about the birthday decorations Maya had been preparing.
The invitations.
The yellow sundress she'd worn that morning.
Then he looked toward Rosa.
“How long?”
She understood the question.
For a moment, her expression softened.
“I can't tell you yet.”
Andre nodded slowly.
The inspector continued.
“We need to know the extent of contamination and what remediation is appropriate. A qualified pool professional and the relevant health and utility authorities will be part of that process.”
Andre looked toward the water.
For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Then he thanked her.
The investigation continued through the afternoon.
Cynthia's property became the subject of further authorized examination by the appropriate officials.
The city already had an ongoing wastewater investigation.
The new discharge provided additional evidence requiring immediate attention.
Investigators documented the equipment, relevant property conditions, and the connection between the hose and the wastewater-handling arrangement.
They reviewed the original construction permits.
The contractor's records.
And the available documents concerning the guesthouse renovation.
Cynthia remained insistent that she had done nothing wrong.
She argued that her brother was responsible for the equipment.
That the HOA had authorized drainage work.
And that Andre's refusal to sign the agreement had created an emergency.
But those claims raised more questions than they answered.
An HOA president couldn't simply convert a private plumbing problem into a community utility project by writing a document.
Nor could she create an emergency by intentionally discharging contaminated water into a neighbor's property.
The legal significance of her actions would have to be determined through the investigation and applicable law.
But the basic facts were becoming clear.
She had known the hose carried wastewater.
She had directed it into Andre's pool.
And the equipment was connected to a system that had already attracted municipal scrutiny.
The appearance of authority had protected Cynthia for months.
Now it was becoming an obstacle.
Because every official title she invoked created another question about the authority she claimed to possess.