"They were intended to become community properties. The transfer was never completed."
He opened another document.
"The original developer filed an intention to transfer these parcels but never executed the deeds. When the company failed, the properties remained subject to county ownership procedures."
Doug looked at me.
"You bought them?"
"Yes."
"All three?"
"Every inch."
A murmur swept through the room.
Mara gripped the edge of the table.
"You can't take our park."
"I didn't take anything."
I looked at her.
"I bought land that was legally for sale."
The deputy stepped forward.
"I've reviewed the filings. Mr. Carter is the recorded owner."
Mara's voice rose.
"This is extortion!"
Klein shook his head.
"Extortion requires coercion. This is ownership."
The room became completely silent.
Then Betty stood.
"So the HOA has been collecting dues to maintain land it didn't own?"
Klein nodded.
"That appears to be the case."
Someone in the back whispered:
"Unbelievable."
Doug sat down.
His clipboard slipped from his hand.
For years, he had issued fines over lawn height and mailbox color.
Now he was sitting in a building whose underlying land belonged to the man he'd been fining.
The irony was almost too perfect.
The Choice
Mara looked at me.
"What do you want?"
Everyone waited.
I could have demanded money.
I could have shut down the walking trail.
I could have blocked access to the park.
I could have made them feel every ounce of frustration they had caused me.
Instead, I opened my final folder.
"I've prepared a temporary use agreement."
Mara frowned.
"The neighborhood can continue using the park, trail, retention area, and hall."
"For free."
The room erupted in whispers.
"Why?"
"Because I don't want revenge."
I looked around.