I looked down at the documents.
"Which provision?"
Her smile faded.
"Mr. Reed, our board has discretion in enforcing the rules."
"Within the governing documents."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Excuse me?"
I kept my voice calm.
"The board's authority comes from the documents. I'm asking which provision applies."
A board member to Patricia's right shifted in his chair.
He was an older white man with gray hair and reading glasses.
His nameplate said Thomas Keller — Treasurer.
He looked toward my folder.
"Do you have the vehicle registration?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
I approached the table and handed over a copy.
Thomas examined it.
He frowned.
"This is privately registered."
"Correct."
Patricia leaned toward him.
"Registration isn't the only consideration."
Thomas looked up.
"Of course. But what particular restriction are we applying?"
For one brief moment, Patricia looked startled that another board member had joined the questioning.
Then she regained her composure.
"The commercial appearance provision."
I opened my copy of the documents.
"Could you identify that provision?"
Patricia stared.
I continued.
"I couldn't find it."
She tapped her pen against the table.
"The architectural standards give the association authority to preserve neighborhood character."
I nodded.
"Then I'd appreciate a written explanation of how those standards classify my pickup as prohibited."
Patricia's cheeks flushed.
"You're being argumentative."
I looked around the room.
Several residents were watching carefully.
One woman near the back raised her eyebrows.
I returned my attention to Patricia.
"I'm asking for an explanation before I move a legally parked vehicle."
The board secretary looked toward Thomas.
He adjusted his glasses.
Then said quietly, "I think we should review the specific language before proceeding."
Patricia turned sharply.
"Tom."
He looked toward her.
She gave him a warning glance.
Then smiled toward the audience.
"We'll take the matter under advisement."
I nodded.
"Thank you."
I returned to my seat.
That should have been the end.
A reasonable board could review the documents, clarify the rule, and either withdraw the notice or explain the applicable restriction.
Instead, Patricia spent the next twenty minutes staring at me as though I had challenged her in front of an entire courtroom.