“What does that mean?”
The chief turned the page.
“This tank wasn't added by the HOA.”
Marcus knew that.
The chief continued.
“It was part of the original subdivision emergency plan.”
Danielle leaned closer.
“So why are they saying it's unauthorized?”
The chief looked toward the window.
“I don't know.”
Marcus did.
Or at least he had a suspicion.
Three months earlier, Patricia had started talking about a redevelopment project.
A large company wanted to purchase several lots at the edge of the neighborhood.
The company had approached homeowners individually.
Some accepted.
Some refused.
Marcus had refused.
His property sat near the proposed access road.
The developer wanted an easement.
Marcus had said no.
Patricia had called him "difficult."
Then came the complaints about the tank.
At first, Marcus had considered the connection coincidence.
Now he wasn't so sure.
The police officer asked:
“Who owns the land beneath the tank?”
Marcus pointed to the documents.
“According to this, the easement is held for emergency infrastructure.”
The fire chief nodded.
“Exactly.”
Patricia suddenly spoke.
“That easement is outdated.”
The chief turned.
“How do you know?”
“Because I reviewed the property records.”
“When?”
“Recently.”
“Who gave you access?”
Patricia hesitated.
“I am HOA president.”
“That doesn't answer my question.”
The same question Marcus had asked her earlier now came from the fire chief.
Patricia didn't answer.
The police officer wrote another note.
That was the moment Marcus understood something.
This wasn't really about the tank.
The tank was simply standing in the way of something.
And whatever that something was, Patricia was desperate enough to destroy emergency equipment to get rid of it.
That night, Marcus barely slept.
Danielle sat beside him.
“You think this goes deeper.”
“I know it does.”
“Why?”
“Because nobody brings an aluminum bat to remove a violation notice.”
Danielle was quiet.
Marcus stared at the ceiling.
“She could have called a contractor.”
“She did.”
“And the contractor couldn't get in.”
“So she came herself.”
“With a bat.”
Danielle sighed.
“What do you think she wanted?”
Marcus looked toward the window.
“The tank moved.”
“Why?”
“Because somebody wants access through that section of the property.”
Danielle turned toward him.
“The developer?”
Marcus nodded.
“That would be my guess.”
The next morning, Marcus called his attorney.
He told him everything.
The attorney listened without interrupting.
Then he said:
“Do not contact Patricia.”
“Okay.”
“Do not accuse the developer.”
“Okay.”
“Do not post about this online.”
“Okay.”
“Send me the footage.”
“I will.”
“And send me every document involving the tank.”
“I already have them.”