“Are you a sworn peace officer?”
Kessler hesitated.
“We're certified community enforcement personnel.”
“That wasn't my question.”
For several seconds, the guard said nothing.
Then he answered.
“No.”
Bishop nodded.
“Then don't represent yourselves as law enforcement officers.”
Sandra's expression tightened.
“They're authorized by the association.”
Morales turned toward her.
“Authorized to do what?”
“To remove vehicles that violate community regulations.”
The deputy looked toward the Porsche.
“From a privately owned residential driveway?”
Sandra lifted her folder.
“When the homeowner refuses to comply.”
Morales remained neutral.
“Do you have documentation establishing that authority?”
“Of course.”
Sandra removed a printed notice and handed it over.
The deputy read it.
I watched her expression change slightly.
The document contained the Oakfield Estates logo, an alleged list of violations, a balance of fines, and an instruction authorizing Stonebridge Compliance and Recovery to remove the Porsche.
At the bottom was a printed name.
Walter Mays, HOA President.
Beneath it was a signature.
My stomach tightened.
I knew Walter had been recovering from surgery.
I knew he'd barely participated in recent board discussions.
And I had serious doubts that he'd authorized an operation involving fake security officers and a wheel clamp.
But doubts weren't proof.
So I waited.
Morales looked toward Sandra.
“Has the homeowner been given a copy?”
“He's had numerous notices.”
“That doesn't answer whether he received this removal authorization.”
Sandra's lips tightened.
“I'm sure the management office sent it.”
The deputy looked toward me.
“Mr. Vale?”
“This is the first time I've seen that document.”
Sandra laughed.
“Don't play innocent.”
I looked toward her.
“I requested a hearing concerning the fines. That request is still pending. I've also asked the board to identify the provision authorizing this kind of removal.”
Morales nodded.
Then asked whether I had any documentation.
“Inside.”
She looked toward the garage.
“Could you retrieve it?”
“Yes.”
Before I moved, Kessler spoke.
“Officer, he's refusing to comply with enforcement.”
I turned.
“I'm retrieving the documents the deputy requested.”
Kessler looked toward Sandra.
She gave him a warning glance.
That exchange wasn't lost on Morales.
The deputy asked Kessler to remain where he was while Bishop spoke with the two other men.
I walked into the house.
The moment the door closed, I felt my hands tremble.
The confrontation had been brief.
I hadn't been seriously hurt.