At the bottom appeared the HOA president's signature.
The document stated that all work had been completed according to the agreed scope.
The sheriff read it.
Then asked whether the gate's manufacturer had supplied replacement equipment.
The treasurer looked toward him.
"That's what I asked."
She reached into her binder.
Then produced a repair invoice from the original manufacturer.
The work described was much smaller.
A control board replacement.
Motor adjustment.
Lubrication.
And repainting.
The amount was less than nine thousand dollars.
The attorney studied the two documents.
For several seconds, she remained silent.
Then she asked whether the larger invoice could include legitimate work performed by a different contractor.
The treasurer nodded.
"Possibly. But nobody would give me records proving it."
That distinction mattered.
A suspicious discrepancy wasn't automatically proof of fraud.
But it was a reason to demand a complete accounting.
And Magnolia Crest's leadership had been resisting that accounting for nearly a year.
The second discrepancy was more disturbing.
Several homeowners had been charged special assessments for stormwater repairs near the neighborhood's southern retention basin.
The basin was a large landscaped area behind a row of properties. During heavy rain, it collected excess runoff before water flowed through controlled outlets toward a drainage channel.
Most residents barely noticed it.
They saw green grass, walking paths, and a low area surrounded by trees.
But the basin was essential infrastructure.
Without proper maintenance, stormwater could accumulate near homes, damage landscaping, and increase flooding risks during major storms.
The HOA president told residents the basin required urgent reconstruction.
The board approved additional charges.
The records showed payments to Crestline Community Solutions and several related contractors.
But the former treasurer couldn't find inspection reports supporting the claimed scope of work.
She'd requested them repeatedly.
The president accused her of trying to delay essential maintenance.
Then, six months later, the same basin appeared in a preliminary development proposal.
The attorney looked toward the document.
"What development proposal?"
The treasurer hesitated.
Then removed a folded map.
The sheriff leaned forward.
The map showed Magnolia Crest's southern boundary and a large tract of land beyond it.
A private developer was exploring construction of an upscale retail and residential complex.
The proposed access road crossed an area close to the retention basin.
Several notes referred to modifying drainage and easement arrangements.
The sheriff studied the map.
Then looked up.
"Has the association approved this?"
The treasurer shook her head.
"Not that I know of."