The male officer held up a hand.
“Ma'am, let's take this one step at a time. What's your name?”
“Victoria Hale. I'm the president of the homeowners' association.”
“And what happened?”
Victoria pointed toward Marcus.
“He came onto our private property, refused to identify himself, and became aggressive when I asked him to leave.”
Marcus looked at her, then at the officers.
“That's not accurate.”
The female officer turned toward him.
“Sir, can I have your name?”
“Marcus Reed.”
“Do you live in the community?”
“Yes.”
Victoria scoffed.
“He does not.”
Marcus ignored her.
“My residence is in the north section. I'm also here on association business.”
The male officer looked at Victoria.
“Did you ask him whether he was a resident or authorized contractor?”
“I asked him to leave.”
“That wasn't my question.”
She stiffened.
“He looked suspicious.”
The female officer glanced toward Marcus.
“Sir, do you have identification?”
“Yes.”
He opened the black leather wallet.
Inside were a state-issued identification card, a property ownership document, a community board credential, and a laminated authorization card bearing the name of the residential association. A folded letter from the property manager was tucked into a side pocket.
Marcus removed the identification card first and handed it to the officer.
She examined it, then looked toward the male officer.
“Everything matches.”
Marcus offered the association credential.
The female officer read it carefully.
“Board member?”
“Chairman of the facilities and capital improvements committee,” Marcus replied. “I also own the property adjoining the north entrance.”
Victoria stared at the card.
The male officer glanced at her.
“Ma'am, did you know Mr. Reed was a board member?”
“No.”
“Did you contact the association office before calling us?”
“I didn't need to.”
The officer looked at the credential again.
“Actually, that might have been the first step.”
Victoria's face flushed.
“He could have fabricated that.”
Marcus looked at her.
“You could call the association office and verify it.”
The female officer nodded.
“We'll do that.”