Naomi nodded.
“Then why doesn't she build it somewhere else?”
I looked toward the project rendering.
“Because the alternative route costs more.”
She stared.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Naomi shook her head.
“So she wants to save the HOA money by using your property.”
“That's part of it.”
“And she's willing to make your daughter afraid to get what she wants.”
I looked toward the sea-turtle towel hanging beside the patio doors.
“Yes.”
Naomi folded the newsletter.
Then she asked something important.
“Does everybody in the neighborhood agree with her?”
I thought about Miriam's call.
“Maybe not.”
That afternoon, Elena contacted me.
She'd received a response from the association's independent counsel.
The attorney acknowledged that the estate parcel did not appear to be subject to Canyon Crest's recorded declaration.
He requested additional time to review the walkway project and the correspondence issued by association representatives.
The response didn't resolve everything.
But it was the first written acknowledgment from the HOA's legal adviser that Caroline's claim was unsupported.
I felt relief.
Then Elena added something else.
“The board has scheduled a special meeting.”
I leaned forward.
“When?”
“Next Thursday.”
“About the walkway?”
“The notice refers to project expenditures, property access, and governance concerns.”
I took a breath.
“Should I go?”
Elena hesitated.
“You're not a member of the association, so you don't have ordinary membership voting rights. But we can request an opportunity for you to address the board as an affected neighboring owner.”
I nodded.
“Okay.”
She continued.
“If they allow it, I recommend a short factual statement. We'll provide the recorded documents. We don't need an argument.”
I looked toward the newsletter.
Then asked, “What about the video?”
Elena paused.
“We can provide the relevant footage to counsel and the board through an appropriate controlled process. We should avoid unnecessary disclosure of your daughter's image.”
I nodded.
“Agreed.”
When we ended the call, I felt something I hadn't experienced since the pool confrontation.
A sense that the situation might finally move toward resolution.
But across Canyon Crest, Caroline was furious.
Miriam had requested financial records.
Harold had begun questioning the meeting minutes.