She stiffened.
“Don't lecture me about HOA authority.”
“Then stop claiming authority you don't have.”
Her face reddened.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then she thrust a notice toward him.
It demanded that Marcus correct the alleged violation within forty-eight hours or face fines.
He took the paper.
Read it carefully.
Then looked up.
“This doesn't identify a rule requiring a pool to remain open for swimming.”
Vanessa smiled.
“It's a community appearance issue.”
“The pool isn't visible from the street.”
She hesitated.
Marcus continued.
“And I've maintained it according to the environmental consultant's instructions.”
Her expression hardened.
“You've always been difficult.”
Marcus felt the familiar irritation rise.
But he refused to let it control the conversation.
“Please send any further notices through the management office. My attorney will review them.”
Vanessa laughed sharply.
“Of course. Another homeowner who thinks hiring a lawyer makes him special.”
Marcus remained silent.
She stepped closer.
“You know, most people move into Sonoran Crest because they appreciate standards.”
He looked toward her.
“Standards are useful when they apply consistently.”
For a moment, her eyes narrowed.
Then she lowered her voice.
“Perhaps this isn't the right neighborhood for you.”
Marcus stared.
The sentence was familiar.
She'd said something similar during the dispute over Grant's proposed easement.
He looked directly into her eyes.
“I own this property, Vanessa. You don't get to decide whether I belong here.”
She recoiled slightly.
Then smiled coldly.
“We'll see.”
She turned and walked toward her car.
Marcus watched her leave.
Then he photographed the notice, saved the doorbell recording, and forwarded both to his attorney.
He didn't yet understand that Vanessa was running out of time.
Grant Carlisle had a meeting with investors scheduled for the following month.
And Marcus's refusal to grant the easement was threatening a development agreement worth millions.
The pool controversy offered Vanessa an opportunity.
If she could portray Marcus as an irresponsible owner who fabricated environmental problems and refused HOA inspections, she hoped to pressure him into accepting a negotiated sale.
But the contamination report had introduced something she hadn't expected.
A technical question that couldn't be resolved by voting, intimidation, or a confident speech.
And every time Marcus asked for construction records, she became a little more desperate.
The drainage project began nine months earlier, shortly after an unusually heavy storm damaged landscaping along the eastern side of Sonoran Crest.
Water had crossed the community service road, undermined part of a retaining wall, and entered two residential yards.
The board agreed repairs were necessary.