And the irritation incident had exposed only the surface of what was happening.
The independent laboratory report arrived five days after the incident.
Anthony was sitting at the kitchen table when Marcus Bell called.
The technician had reviewed the findings with the pool-service company's supervising specialist. The analysis identified substances in the sampled water that were consistent with the specialty botanical fragrance product found beside the patio table.
The report didn't prove exactly when every substance entered the water.
It also couldn't establish the precise medical cause of each guest's symptoms.
But the findings were consistent with the video showing Victoria adding the product during the unauthorized gathering.
Marcus explained that the material wasn't approved by the pool-service company for use in Anthony's residential swimming pool.
Further information obtained from the product supplier indicated that it was intended for decorative water features and certain controlled display applications, not for bathing or swimming.
The packaging had included warnings about the intended use.
Victoria hadn't checked with the homeowner or a qualified pool professional before adding it.
Anthony listened quietly.
Then asked whether the water had been dangerous before the gathering.
Marcus explained that the company's earlier service records showed the pool had been maintained within its normal operating parameters before the unauthorized introduction.
That was reassuring, though it didn't eliminate the need for proper follow-up testing and servicing.
Anthony looked toward the backyard.
For several seconds, he didn't speak.
Then whispered.
"So she brought it herself."
Marcus nodded.
"The available evidence indicates that she introduced a product that shouldn't have been used that way."
Anthony closed his eyes.
He'd spent days reading accusations that he deliberately injured people.
Now the technical findings supported what the security video had already suggested.
He hadn't secretly changed the water to punish trespassers.
Victoria had brought an unfamiliar product into a pool she didn't own.
And several guests had experienced distress after the unauthorized gathering.
The medical assessments provided additional context.
Most of the affected guests received treatment for skin irritation and were advised to follow appropriate medical guidance. Their symptoms improved over the following days, although some required additional follow-up.
Victoria's reaction had been particularly uncomfortable.
She'd developed prominent raised patches and redness across her arms, shoulders, and upper chest, making the incident both frightening and humiliating.
Her physicians evaluated her symptoms and possible exposures, including the specialty product brought to the party.
The medical records couldn't establish every detail from a single photograph or video.
But the possibility of a contact reaction related to the unauthorized product became a significant part of the investigation.