Then she stepped back and looked directly into the camera.
"Marcus, I know you're home."
He remained silent.
She pressed the doorbell again.
"I'm here on official HOA business."
Marcus called Daniel.
"She's here."
"Don't open the door."
"I won't."
"Record everything."
"Already recording."
Patricia stood there for another minute.
Then she walked around the side of the house.
Marcus watched her through the cameras.
She entered the side walkway.
Marcus stepped outside through the garage.
"Patricia."
She turned.
"You need to talk to me."
"You need to leave."
"I have a notice."
"Send it."
"I need to deliver it personally."
"You can leave it at the mailbox."
"That's not sufficient."
"It is."
She walked toward him.
Marcus stepped backward.
"Stop."
"I just need five minutes."
"No."
"You can't keep avoiding me."
"I'm not avoiding you."
"Then talk to me."
"I've told you everything."
"You think you're untouchable."
"No."
"You think because you're wealthy—"
"Stop."
"You think the rules don't apply."
"I said stop."
Patricia stepped closer.
Marcus raised both hands.
"You're too close."
She stopped.
"Are you threatening me?"
"No."
"Then why are you backing away?"
"Because I don't want you near me."
She stared.
Then she heard the police siren.
It was faint at first.
Then louder.
Patricia looked toward the street.
Marcus realized what was happening.
"You called them?"
She smiled.
"You'll see."
He stepped backward.
"Patricia, leave."
She looked toward the camera.
Then back at him.
And that was when she made the mistake.
She slapped herself.
The police arrived eighteen seconds later.
Everything else was recorded.
At the scene, Officer Hayes watched the footage twice.
The first time for himself.
The second time with Patricia.
When it ended, he looked at her.
"Ma'am, you said he struck you."
"He did."
"He didn't."
"He did."
"Then explain the video."
She said nothing.
Officer Lee stepped forward.
"There's another camera."
Patricia's head snapped toward him.
"What?"
"Side angle."
He held up the phone.
The second video showed everything.
Patricia approaching.
Marcus backing away.
Her moving closer.
His hands raised.