Daniel walked toward them.
"What violation?"
Patricia held up the paper.
"Repeated HOA violations."
"Which ones?"
"Vehicle-related."
Daniel looked at Emily.
"Did you receive anything?"
She shook her head.
"No."
Daniel looked back at Patricia.
"Did you send a notice?"
"Of course."
"To whom?"
"To the homeowner."
"That's me."
"I know."
"Then I should have received it."
Patricia's smile disappeared.
"It was posted."
"Where?"
"On the community portal."
Daniel stared at her.
"That's not notice of towing."
"It is according to our enforcement procedures."
"Show me the provision."
Patricia held the paper toward him.
"This is the towing order."
Daniel didn't take it.
"That's not what I asked."
The tow driver remained beside the truck.
The wheel-lift was now under the Porsche.
Daniel looked at him.
"Stop."
The driver didn't move.
Daniel stepped directly in front of the truck.
"Stop."
Patricia scoffed.
"Don't interfere."
Daniel ignored her.
He slapped his palm hard against the tow truck's side panel.
The metallic sound echoed through the driveway.
"Take one more inch and you're towing stolen property."
The driver immediately released the controls.
The truck stopped.
The amber lights continued flashing.
For several seconds nobody spoke.
Then Patricia stepped closer.
"You are making this much more difficult than it needs to be."
Daniel looked at her.
"You brought a tow truck onto my property."
"Because you refused to comply."
"Comply with what?"
"The HOA."
"The HOA isn't a police department."
Patricia laughed.
"Don't embarrass yourself."
Daniel's eyes narrowed.
"Get the lift away from my daughter's car."
Patricia pointed at the Porsche.
"That car is not appropriate for this neighborhood."
Emily whispered, "Why?"
Patricia turned toward her.
"Because not every girl needs to be handed everything she wants."
Emily stared at her.
"I saved for accessories. My dad bought the car."
Patricia shrugged.
"Exactly."
Daniel's voice became quieter.
"What exactly are you saying?"
Patricia didn't hesitate.
"I'm saying that your daughter doesn't need to be driving around in a Porsche."
Daniel stared at her.
"That's your opinion."
"It's the community's concern."
"No."
Patricia raised the paper again.
"It's an HOA enforcement matter."
Daniel looked at the tow truck.
Then at the logo on the driver's uniform.
Then at the company name printed on the truck door.
He stopped.
The driver noticed.
His expression changed.
Daniel reached into his pocket.
Patricia frowned.
"What are you doing?"
Daniel pulled out his phone.
"Calling someone."
"You're not calling the police."
"No."
He looked at the tow truck again.
Then at the driver.
"Actually, I don't need to."
Patricia crossed her arms.
"Then what are you doing?"