Denise pointed toward the folder.
“The board issued a removal order.”
“Do you have a court order?”
Denise blinked.
“No.”
“A warrant?”
“No.”
“An impound authorization?”
“No.”
The deputy looked at her.
“Then why was a private contractor destroying a vehicle on private property?”
Denise's confidence weakened.
“It violated the HOA rules.”
The female deputy spoke.
“HOA rules don't automatically give you authority to destroy someone's property.”
Denise looked offended.
“We have governing documents.”
“That doesn't answer the question.”
The male deputy turned toward Marcus.
“Sir, are you the homeowner?”
Marcus nodded.
“Yes.”
“Do you own the vehicle?”
“Yes.”
The deputy looked at him carefully.
“What is your name?”
Marcus hesitated.
Then he answered.
“Marcus Reed.”
The deputy froze.
The female deputy stared at him.
“Marcus Reed?”
“Yes.”
She looked at her partner.
He looked back at her.
Denise frowned.
“What?”
The deputy reached for his radio.
“Dispatch, confirm the sheriff's current location.”
The radio crackled.
Denise laughed.
“Why are you checking the sheriff's location?”
Neither deputy answered.
The dispatcher responded.
“Sheriff Reed is currently assigned to Bellmont Ridge District.”
Denise's smile disappeared.
The male deputy slowly turned toward her.
“Ma'am.”
“Yes?”
“You need to step back.”
Denise looked confused.
“Why?”
The female deputy looked at Marcus.
“Sheriff?”
Marcus gave a small nod.
“Yes.”
Denise stared at him.
“No.”
Nobody spoke.
Denise shook her head.
“No.”
Marcus remained still.
“You're the sheriff?”
“Yes.”
She looked from him to the deputies.
The male deputy straightened.
“Sheriff Reed.”
Marcus nodded.
“Deputy Collins.”
“Sheriff.”
The female deputy gave a formal nod.
“Sheriff.”
Denise's face went pale.
But then she recovered.
“That doesn't change anything.”
The male deputy stared at her.
“What?”
“The HOA had authority.”
“You just told us you had no court order.”
“We didn't need one.”
“According to what?”
“Our governing documents.”