Several people murmured.
Walter looked toward her.
“Sandra, you'll have an opportunity to speak.”
She folded her arms.
“I'd like to speak now.”
Margaret leaned toward the microphone.
“Ms. Holt, please allow the chair to complete the agenda.”
Sandra's face tightened.
For several seconds, she stared at the attorney.
Then sat.
Walter continued.
The first presentation concerned the Stonebridge contract.
Felicia summarized the auditor's preliminary findings.
Payments.
Contract renewals.
Invoices.
And apparent weaknesses in the documentation supporting certain services.
She emphasized that the review was not yet complete and that additional records were still being obtained.
But several facts were clear.
The association had approved funding for legitimate compliance functions.
Stonebridge had received payments categorized as security and enforcement support.
And certain vehicle-removal activities went beyond what the board's available records showed it had specifically authorized.
Then Felicia discussed the relationship between Stonebridge and the Holt family.
The room became quiet.
She explained that business records identified Richard Holt as a person with financial interests connected to the contractor.
Richard was Sandra's brother-in-law.
And the auditors had identified related consulting payments requiring further examination.
A man near the back raised his hand.
“Did the board know about that relationship?”
Felicia answered.
“The records reviewed so far do not show a complete formal conflict disclosure before certain relevant decisions.”
The man frowned.
“That's not what I asked.”
Margaret leaned toward the microphone.
“The board is examining whether the relationship was properly disclosed and handled under the governing rules. We don't want to make factual conclusions beyond what the documents establish.”
The man nodded.
Then sat.
Sandra suddenly stood.
“This is a witch hunt.”
Walter raised one hand.
“Sandra—”
“No. I've served this community for six years. Six years!”
Her voice echoed through the room.
“I've kept our property values strong, improved our landscaping, and protected residents from people who think the rules don't apply to them.”
Her eyes found me.
Several people turned.
I remained seated.
Sandra continued.
“And now because one federal officer wants special treatment for his expensive car, you're willing to destroy everything I've built?”
Ruth Adler stood.
Her face was pale.
“Sandra.”
The vice president turned sharply.
“What?”
Ruth's hands trembled.
“You took my husband's car.”
The room became quiet.
Sandra sighed.
“Mrs. Adler, we've been through this.”
“No.”
Ruth looked directly at her.