He notified the appropriate representative that the vehicle had been vandalized and that a police report had been initiated.
He supplied photographs.
Preserved the original camera recordings.
And arranged for a qualified specialist to inspect the McLaren before any repair decisions were made.
The red paint had begun drying.
Some areas appeared superficial.
Others had been sprayed heavily enough that their removal might affect the vehicle's original finish.
The hood's shape, materials, and paint system made the repair more complicated than an ordinary scratch.
The front fender carried several overlapping streaks.
Overspray had reached adjacent trim.
And there was a risk that aggressive cleaning could damage protective coatings or surrounding surfaces.
The homeowner knew enough about automotive finishes not to attempt a quick solution with household chemicals.
He had worked in his father's body shop.
He understood how easily someone could turn a repairable problem into a much larger one by rushing.
So he waited for the specialist.
The following Monday, a professional automotive damage assessor examined the vehicle.
He photographed each affected panel.
Recorded the paint condition.
Reviewed the potential need for refinishing, component removal, and appropriate quality checks.
Then explained that some damage might be corrected without replacing panels, while other areas could require extensive work.
The cost estimate was substantial.
More than forty thousand dollars, subject to further inspection and the insurer's review.
The homeowner listened.
For a moment, he looked toward the garage.
Then asked, "Can the finish be restored properly?"
The specialist nodded.
"That should be possible, but we need the right facility and procedure."
The homeowner exhaled.
"Good."
He looked toward the vehicle.
For a long time, he had imagined owning a car like this.
Now it was sitting beneath a protective cover, damaged by people who never had any right to touch it.
He felt angry again.
Then thought of his father.
The old repair shop.
The hours spent preparing metal before painting.
The lessons about patience.
He took a breath.
"Let's do it correctly."
The specialist nodded.
They made the arrangements.
The McLaren was transported to an authorized specialist repair facility.
The homeowner watched it leave.
For a moment, he felt an unexpected sadness.
The car had not been stolen.
Not destroyed beyond repair.
But something about watching it disappear behind the transport truck reminded him how easily another person's recklessness could intrude upon a carefully built life.
Then his phone rang.
The association secretary.
He answered.
"Hello?"
Her voice sounded strained.
"We have another problem."
He looked toward the departing truck.
"What?"
"The management company found the emergency invoice."
His expression tightened.
"The one from Saturday?"
"Yes."
He waited.
She continued.
"It wasn't just submitted."
The homeowner became still.
"What do you mean?"
"The former president attempted to authorize payment before the election."
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then asked, "Was the money transferred?"