The total was just under four thousand dollars.
There were line items for emergency mobilization, potential water removal, cleaning, labor, and related services.
Then I noticed the date.
The estimate had been created on Tuesday afternoon.
Two days before the violation notice.
I checked the complaint date.
Wednesday.
According to the documents, the contractor had prepared its estimate before the complaint was officially received.
That might have been explainable if the company had been contacted earlier about a genuine concern.
But no one had asked to inspect my pool.
No representative had entered the backyard.
And the estimate described conditions that had not been observed.
I photographed everything.
Then called my attorney.
She reviewed the documents.
Her first question was simple.
"Did you authorize anybody to inspect the property?"
"No."
"Has anyone requested access?"
"Not through me."
"Do the association documents provide any relevant right of entry?"
I had already reviewed the provisions.
There were limited circumstances involving common facilities, easements, and emergencies, but nothing that obviously granted the board unlimited permission to cross a locked private fence merely because the president wanted to inspect my swimming pool.
My attorney agreed that the specific rights and procedures mattered.
She asked me to send copies of the recorded deed, community declaration, and any relevant amendments.
Then she said, "Respond in writing. State that the alleged condition is disputed, provide your current evidence, and require them to identify the authority for any proposed entry or work."
I nodded.
"And the contractor?"
"Don't interfere with any lawful process, but don't authorize unnecessary work. We'll address the documents."
I looked toward the pool.
For the first time, I felt something close to genuine fear.
Not fear that Patricia could physically overpower me.
Fear that she was willing to manipulate paperwork, threaten my finances, and possibly enter my property to create a condition that would justify her accusations.
I remembered Eleanor's description of unexplained granules.
Then looked toward the blue water.
If someone placed the wrong substance in a pool, the consequences could be more serious than a cleaning bill.
People could be exposed.
Equipment could be damaged.
And until the material was identified and the water professionally assessed, the pool might be unsafe to use.
I decided to take the warning seriously.
I also decided to stop assuming Patricia was merely bluffing.
My attorney sent the formal response the following morning.
It was calm.
Precise.
And entirely free of the angry language I wanted to use.
The letter disputed the alleged violation.
Requested the supporting evidence.
Asked for the specific authority under which entry or remediation was proposed.
And put the association on notice that no voluntary consent had been given for its representatives or contractors to enter my fenced backyard.
It also requested preservation of communications and records concerning the proposed remediation.
I signed it.
Then returned to work.
The response from Patricia arrived less than four hours later.
It consisted of three sentences.
Your refusal to cooperate will be documented.
The association reserves all available enforcement remedies.
Failure to comply may result in additional assessments.
I read it.
Then forwarded it to my attorney.
I didn't respond directly.
That afternoon, another homeowner called.
Her name was Denise Harper.
She lived near the north entrance and had been one of the residents charged for emergency pool cleanup.
She sounded nervous.
"Mr. Reed?"