"That machine is illegally parked on HOA land! I've told him a hundred times that he doesn't belong here!"
Hank finally spoke.
"That's my field."
She snapped her head toward him.
"Shut your mouth!"
Officer Reyes raised a hand.
"Ma'am, please let us establish what happened."
Moren pointed toward the corn.
"This entire access corridor belongs to Prairie Meadows! He thinks he can do whatever he wants because his family used to own everything around here!"
Hank looked at her for a long moment.
Then reached into his pocket.
He unfolded a large paper map, its creases worn from repeated handling.
"Officer, before anybody makes a decision, I think you need to see this."
Moren gave a sharp, contemptuous laugh.
"Oh, here we go again. Another one of his ridiculous maps."
Hank ignored her.
He held the document open with both hands.
The paper contained property lines, survey markers, recorded easements, and a small shaded area beside the subdivision's eastern boundary.
Officer Collins stepped closer.
He studied the map.
Then frowned.
"Where did you get this?"
"County survey records. Certified copy."
Collins traced one boundary with his finger.
Then looked toward the road.
For several seconds, his expression remained uncertain.
Finally, he turned to his partner.
"Daniel, take a look at this."
Reyes joined him.
He examined the markings, then glanced toward the damaged Lincoln.
Something about the document clearly concerned him.
Moren stepped forward.
"What are you two doing? The man has destroyed my car!"
Reyes didn't answer immediately.
He continued studying the map.
Then asked Hank a question.
"Is this the recorded utility easement from 2019?"
Hank nodded.
"Yes, sir."
"And this shaded section?"
Hank looked toward Moren.
Then answered quietly.
"That's the part she hasn't wanted anybody looking at."
Moren's expression changed.
For the first time since climbing out of the Lincoln, her confidence disappeared.
Reyes looked toward her.
"Mrs. Falstead, who gave the HOA permission to use this land as a vehicle access road?"
She stared.
"What?"
He pointed toward the survey.
"This document raises a serious question about the road and the property boundary. We need to verify the recorded instruments."
Moren shook her head.
"No. That's impossible."
Hank folded his arms.
"That's what I kept telling you."
The officer looked toward the farm beyond them.
Then toward the row of expensive houses rising behind the cornfield.