COMMUNITY SAFETY NOTICE

Beneath it was a photograph of Ethan's house.

NON-COMPLIANT PROPERTY UNDER REVIEW

Then came an anonymous note.

SELL BEFORE THE FINES TRIPLE.

Another followed.

YOU ARE NOT WANTED HERE.

Ethan preserved both.

He didn't accuse anyone.

He simply added them to the file.

Then Elaine Bishop called.

“You should talk to Linda Torres.”

“Who?”

“The HOA treasurer.”

“I thought she was Patricia's ally.”

“She was.”

“What changed?”

Elaine hesitated.

“She looks like she hasn't slept since Christmas.”

Two nights later, Linda appeared at Ethan's garage carrying a cardboard box.

“I’m probably violating something by giving you these.”

Ethan looked at the box.

“Then don't give them to me.”

Linda stared at him.

“You don't want them?”

“I want you to speak to a lawyer first.”

She sat down.

“I think she's stealing.”

Ethan waited.

“Why?”

“Vendors.”

“What about them?”

“I can't verify three.”

She named them.

Blue Ridge Property Services.

Mountain Crest Pool Safety.

Evergreen Community Risk.

“How much?”

Linda handed him a handwritten list.

More than sixty thousand dollars over two years.

“Who approves payments?”

“Patricia.”

“Second signature?”

“Sometimes me.”

“Sometimes?”

Linda looked away.

“Daniel.”

Ethan's expression changed.

“Sergeant Voss?”

She nodded.

“Why?”

“Patricia created a security liaison position.”

“For her husband?”

“Yes.”

“Paid?”

“Yes.”

Linda whispered the amount.

Ethan did not write it down.

He simply said:

“You need counsel.”

Linda nodded.

“And an independent audit.”

“I know.”

“Don't give me those documents.”

She stared at the box.

“What do I do?”

“Talk to an attorney.”

Linda looked at him.

“You really used to investigate people?”

“Yes.”

“Patricia said you were some retired federal agent trying to scare everyone.”

“State office.”

Linda almost laughed.

Then her face became serious again.

“I think she's been doing this for a long time.”