Isaiah had never agreed.
The car wasn't theirs.
And the association had never approved taking it.
On Monday morning, Arthur Jenkins called Isaiah.
The retired principal had obtained his number through Nora, who asked permission before sharing it.
His voice was warm but tired.
"Mr. Reed, I understand you've been having trouble with our HOA president."
Isaiah gave a humorless laugh.
"That's one way to describe it."
Arthur paused.
"I heard the police mentioned my pickup."
Isaiah nodded, though Arthur couldn't see him.
"Yes, sir."
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Arthur asked whether Isaiah would be willing to visit.
Isaiah agreed.
That afternoon, he drove to Brookstone Lane in his ordinary work truck.
Arthur's house was a modest brick ranch with neatly trimmed shrubs and a wooden bench near the front porch. The red pickup sat beside the driveway, looking older and more weathered than Isaiah remembered.
Arthur greeted him warmly.
Then led him toward the truck.
The older man placed a hand against the faded red fender.
"My brother bought this thing when his youngest daughter was born."
Isaiah looked toward him.
"Your brother?"
Arthur nodded.
"He died eight years ago. Left me the truck because he knew I'd keep it running."
Isaiah felt an immediate connection.
"My Mustang belonged to my father."
Arthur smiled sadly.
"Then you understand."
They stood quietly for several seconds.
Then Arthur opened the driver's door.
The seat was worn.
The steering wheel had small cracks.
And an old photograph was tucked into the sun visor.
It showed Arthur beside a smiling man wearing overalls.
"My brother," Arthur explained.
Isaiah studied the picture.
For a moment, he saw his own father standing beside the yellow Mustang.
Then Arthur continued.
"That truck doesn't look like much to the people who drive expensive cars around here. But I can't buy another one with the same memories."
Isaiah nodded.
"I understand completely."
Arthur looked toward his house.
Then said quietly, "When it disappeared, I thought somebody had stolen a piece of my family."
Arthur explained how the tow had happened.
He'd received disputed HOA notices describing his pickup as an inoperable or improperly stored vehicle. He responded that it was registered, operable, and parked on his property, and he requested the specific rule and evidence supporting the violation.
Pamela continued pressing the matter.
One morning, while Arthur was visiting his daughter, a towing company removed the truck.