“You've been instructed to attend a hearing.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow.”
Marcus laughed.
“You're serious?”
“Yes.”
“Fine.”
The call ended.
Marcus stood in his kitchen.
His wife, Tasha, walked in.
“What was that?”
“HOA.”
She sighed.
“What now?”
Marcus told her.
Tasha stared.
“She drove into our garage.”
“I know.”
“And now she's complaining about the garage door?”
“Yes.”
Tasha shook her head.
“She really doesn't like losing.”
Marcus looked toward the window.
“I think it's bigger than that.”
“What do you mean?”
“She doesn't want the footage.”
“Why?”
“Because it shows her doing exactly what she did.”
Tasha nodded.
“And?”
“And she knows the footage exists.”
Tasha looked concerned.
“You think she'll try to get it?”
Marcus nodded.
“I think she'll try everything.”
The next afternoon, the HOA hearing was held in the clubhouse.
Marcus arrived with a folder.
Inside were copies of his deed.
His garage plans.
Security camera footage.
The police incident number.
Photographs of the Maybach inside the garage.
And a printed copy of the HOA bylaws.
Patricia sat at the front table.
She wore a cream blazer.
Her blonde bob was perfect.
Beside her sat three board members.
None looked comfortable.
Patricia smiled when Marcus entered.
“Mr. Reed.”
“Patricia.”
“You're late.”
“I'm early.”
She glanced at the clock.
“You're one minute before the hearing.”
Marcus sat.
Patricia shuffled papers.
“We're here because of a serious violation.”
Marcus looked at her.
“What violation?”
“Improper use of your garage door.”
He almost laughed.
“Is that why we're here?”
“Yes.”
“Not because you drove your Maybach into my garage?”
Patricia's face tightened.
“That matter is unrelated.”
“It happened first.”
“This hearing concerns your conduct.”
“My conduct?”
“Yes.”
“Not yours?”
The board president cleared his throat.
His name was Robert Klein.
He was a retired accountant who had taken the position because he thought neighborhood governance would be peaceful.
He looked exhausted.
“Let's stay focused.”
Patricia nodded.
“Agreed.”
Marcus placed a folder on the table.
“I'd like to submit evidence.”
Robert looked at the folder.
“What kind?”
“Security footage.”
Patricia immediately interrupted.
“That's unnecessary.”
Marcus looked at her.
“Why?”
“Because the incident isn't relevant.”
Robert looked at Patricia.
“I think it may be.”
She stared at him.
“Robert.”
He held up a hand.