But the number of discrepancies was increasing.
Marcus created a careful record.
He distinguished between work that was confirmed, work requiring verification, and claims unsupported by the documentation he'd seen.
He avoided writing accusations as facts.
His father had taught him that good construction required accurate measurements.
Marcus believed a financial investigation deserved the same discipline.
Deborah noticed the questions almost immediately.
Martin Kessler called her after receiving another request for completion records.
"Your new homeowner is becoming a problem," he said.
Deborah was sitting in her home office.
She leaned backward in her chair.
"Marcus Bennett?"
"Who else?"
She sighed.
"He has entirely too much time on his hands."
Martin sounded irritated.
"He's asking about old invoices."
"Then send him something."
"We've already provided summaries."
"Then tell him the matter's closed."
Martin paused.
"That isn't going to work if the board asks for an independent review."
Deborah's expression tightened.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then she asked whether the records could withstand closer scrutiny.
Martin didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he explained that several subcontractor files were incomplete and that some project costs had been allocated across multiple work orders.
Deborah felt a sudden surge of anxiety.
She'd approved many of those payments.
She'd recommended Oakridge repeatedly.
And she'd defended Martin whenever Helen questioned the numbers.
She wasn't merely worried about looking foolish.
There were transactions she didn't want the board examining too closely.
"Handle it," she said.
Martin sighed.
"Deborah, this isn't something we can solve by telling a homeowner to mind his business."
She ended the call.
Then she opened the association's enforcement records and searched for Marcus Bennett's address.
If he intended to make her professional life difficult, she decided she would make his home life equally unpleasant.
The first retaliatory notice concerned exterior improvements.
Marcus had installed new landscaping around his front walkway, replacing several overgrown shrubs with native plants and low-maintenance ground cover.
The work was ordinary.
He'd submitted the required application, and the management company had approved it before installation.
Nevertheless, Deborah issued a notice claiming the changes violated neighborhood appearance standards.
Marcus produced the approval.
The notice was withdrawn.
A week later, another letter alleged that his business pickup was being used for prohibited commercial parking.
Marcus reviewed the restrictions.
The truck was registered for personal and business use, but the relevant provision concerned certain large commercial vehicles and activity that didn't describe his ordinary pickup.
His attorney responded.
That notice also failed to produce an enforceable violation.
Then came a complaint about construction noise.
Marcus had been repairing a small section of his backyard fence during permitted daytime hours.