Instead, she decided she needed to be more aggressive.
She began looking for a way to create an official-looking record that would support removing the car.
Isaiah was unaware of the promotional contract when he installed two additional security cameras.
He already had ordinary cameras covering his driveway and front entrance.
The new devices were intended to provide clearer views of the garage threshold and the area near the side door.
He wasn't trying to spy on his neighbors.
The cameras were positioned to monitor his own property.
His concern was simple.
Someone had been approaching the garage when he wasn't home.
And official-looking notices were appearing without proper board authorization.
He wanted an accurate record if it happened again.
His sister helped him configure the system.
She worked in information technology and was considerably more patient with software than Isaiah.
As they finished testing the cameras, Sophie wandered into the garage wearing a yellow T-shirt with cartoon characters printed across the front.
She pointed toward Isaiah's shorts.
"Uncle, we're matching!"
Isaiah looked down.
Then laughed.
"Of course we are."
She examined the Mustang.
"Can I polish the shiny part?"
He handed her a clean microfiber cloth.
"Only with me watching."
She nodded solemnly.
For several minutes, they worked together.
Sophie carefully polished a chrome trim piece while Isaiah checked the finish.
Then she asked whether her grandfather had really built the car.
Isaiah paused.
He looked toward the Mustang.
"He helped bring it back to life."
Sophie smiled.
"Like in a movie?"
Isaiah laughed softly.
"Something like that."
She considered the answer.
Then looked toward the black stripes.
"Can I have it when I'm big?"
Isaiah grinned.
"Maybe."
Her eyes widened.
"Really?"
He nodded.
"But first you have to learn how to take care of it."
Sophie looked toward the polishing cloth.
Then resumed working with exaggerated seriousness.
Isaiah smiled.
For a moment, everything felt normal again.
Pamela returned the following Monday.
This time, she didn't enter the garage.
She stood at the end of the driveway holding an official-looking letter.
Isaiah approached.
"Good afternoon."
She didn't return the greeting.
"Mr. Reed, the board has determined that your vehicle requires special compliance action."
Isaiah frowned.
"Which board meeting?"
Pamela tightened her grip on the clipboard.
"The association has authority to act through its officers."
He nodded.
"Then please provide the written decision and the relevant rule."
She sighed dramatically.
"You keep demanding paperwork."
"Because you're making demands about my property."