The towel had been beside a lounge chair.
Not in a walkway.
Whitfield waited.
Caroline continued.
“I moved it.”
“With your foot?”
She hesitated.
“Yes.”
“Into the pool?”
“It was an accident.”
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Officer Ramirez looked toward the tablet.
“The recording will be preserved as part of the report.”
Caroline's eyes narrowed.
“Are you going to arrest these people?”
Ramirez stared.
“For what offense?”
Caroline opened her folder.
“Unauthorized use of association property.”
Whitfield looked toward the estate.
Then back at her.
“Ma'am, you've been shown documentation raising a substantial question about whether the association has any authority over this parcel.”
Caroline's face flushed.
“Our map says otherwise.”
The officer nodded.
“That map appears to be an internal management document, not a recorded instrument establishing property rights.”
Caroline looked stunned.
Then she turned toward me.
“This isn't over.”
I met her eyes.
“No, Ms. Whitmore. It isn't.”
Ramirez stepped forward.
“Ma'am, Mr. Reed has told you to leave. Unless you can establish a legal right to remain here, you need to exit the property now.”
Caroline stared.
“I'm the HOA president.”
The officer didn't change her expression.
“We heard you.”
For a moment, Caroline seemed to consider another argument.
Then she snapped her folder shut.
“Fine.”
She turned toward the gate.
Her black heels struck the patio stones in sharp, angry steps.
When she reached the side path, she looked back.
“You people are going to regret this.”
I said nothing.
Officer Whitfield watched her leave.
Then recorded the statement in his notes.
A minute later, the gate camera showed Caroline walking onto the public road and climbing into her white luxury SUV.
I watched the vehicle disappear.
Only then did I realize how tightly I'd been holding my jaw.
Officer Ramirez approached.
“Mr. Reed, do you want to make a formal complaint concerning the entry and conduct?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“We'll document the available facts and explain the relevant process. The property boundary issue itself may require civil resolution if the association continues asserting rights.”
“I understand.”
She studied my face.
Then looked toward the house.
“How's your daughter?”