"I understand exactly how it works."
CHAPTER FIVE
The Final Row
Elaine walked toward the final row of lights.
These were the lights closest to the front door.
Daniel had installed them only three weeks earlier.
They were slightly taller.
More expensive.
His wife had chosen them.
Elaine reached for the first.
Daniel said:
"Don't."
She stopped.
For a second, neither moved.
Then Elaine slowly turned.
"You don't tell me what I can do."
"This is your last chance."
"You've said that already."
"Yes."
"Do you think I'm afraid of you?"
"No."
"Then why are you warning me?"
"Because I'm giving you a chance to stop."
Elaine laughed.
"You think I'm going to apologize?"
"No."
"What do you want?"
"Leave."
She stared at him.
Then she reached for the light.
Daniel watched.
She pulled.
The fixture came loose.
She dropped it.
Then she stepped on it.
The plastic cracked beneath her slipper.
Daniel's face changed.
Not anger.
Something colder.
Acceptance.
He knew there was nothing left to say.
Elaine had made her choice.
She moved to the final light.
Then suddenly—
A police siren sounded.
Elaine froze.
Everyone looked toward the street.
Two police cruisers turned into the neighborhood.
The first stopped beside the curb.
The second pulled behind it.
Elaine's confidence disappeared for half a second.
Then she straightened.
She adjusted her robe.
She pushed her sunglasses higher.
And she walked toward the officers.
Daniel kept recording.
CHAPTER SIX
The Police
The first officer stepped out.
He was a broad-shouldered man in his late 40s.
The second officer was younger.
Neither rushed.
The senior officer looked at the broken lights.
Then at Daniel.
Then at Elaine.
"Who's the homeowner?"
Daniel raised one hand.
"I am."
"Are you okay?"
"Yes."
"Did you call us?"
Daniel nodded.
"Yes."
Elaine interrupted.
"Officer, thank goodness you're here."
The officer looked at her.
"Ma'am?"
"I'm the HOA president."
The officer waited.
Elaine pointed toward Daniel.
"He has repeatedly violated neighborhood regulations."
The officer looked at the broken lights.
"Did you break these?"
Elaine hesitated.
"I removed them."