“Thank you.”
Denise’s expression grew increasingly rigid.
“This is unbelievable. You’re encouraging a teenager to disrespect the association.”
Marcus looked at her.
“He answered a question from a police officer.”
“He should have respected me.”
“Respect is not the same as silence.”
The words were not loud, but they carried.
Denise stared at him, and for a moment Marcus wondered whether she understood how much damage she had done with her earlier remark. Not just to him, but to every person who had heard it and recognized its meaning.
The delivery worker had returned to the curb after finishing the drop-off. He was now speaking on his phone, perhaps reporting that he would be delayed. He glanced back once, then continued toward his vehicle.
Brooks finished his notes.
“Ma’am, I’m going to clear the call. There is no apparent basis for removing the homeowner or towing the vehicle. If the association believes there is a rule violation, it should follow its documented process.”
Denise’s lips pressed together.
“You’re just going to leave?”
“Yes.”
“And let him get away with this?”
Brooks’s expression remained professional.
“He hasn’t done anything that would justify police action.”
She looked toward Marcus.
“This neighborhood has standards.”
Marcus nodded.
“It should also have consistency.”
Brooks closed his notepad.
“Chief, do you need anything else?”
“No. Thank you.”
“Would you like me to stay until she leaves?”
Marcus considered it.
“No. I think we can all go about our afternoon.”
Brooks turned toward his SUV, but before he reached it, Denise called after him.
“Officer Brooks, I want your badge number.”
He gave it to her.
“And your supervisor’s name.”
“I can provide the department contact information.”
“Now.”
He did so without raising his voice.
Denise took out her phone and began typing.
Marcus opened the front door of his house.
Before entering, he turned back toward her.
“Denise, I’m going to say this once. If you have a legitimate complaint about my vehicle, send it in writing with the rule you believe applies. I’ll review it. If there’s an actual violation, I’ll address it. But you will not threaten me, my property, or my right to live here.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“You can’t tell me how to run the association.”
“No,” he said. “But I can tell you that I expect the same standards to apply to everyone.”
Then he stepped inside.
The door closed quietly.
Outside, the police SUV remained for another minute before Brooks returned to the driver’s seat and pulled away. Denise stood in the driveway, phone in hand, while Tyler lingered near the sidewalk.