A pink blouse.
A confident smile.
She believed she was in control.
At 4:11, the doors opened.
Hank walked inside.
The room fell silent.
Class A uniform.
Service ribbons.
McKinney Police Department patch.
Chief's insignia.
Maddy stared at him.
Her agenda book slipped from her hand.
It hit the floor.
She whispered:
“You?”
Hank walked to the front.
“My name is Henry Larkin.”
Silence.
“I've lived at 4218 Cottonwood Bend for approximately a decade.”
Maddy's face had gone pale.
“I am also the Chief of Police of the City of McKinney.”
Someone gasped.
Hank continued.
“The Stonebridge Crossing HOA is currently the subject of a criminal investigation.”
Maddy took a step backward.
“No.”
Hank looked directly at her.
“Madeline Kessler, you are being removed from your duties as HOA president pending criminal proceedings.”
The room erupted in whispers.
Hank continued.
“The investigation concerns the alleged theft of HOA funds, fraudulent use of the United States mail, and the filing of a false police report.”
Maddy's hands began to shake.
“And your son, Braden, was arrested approximately twenty-three minutes ago.”
Her face collapsed.
“He didn't—”
“He did.”
Hank's voice remained calm.
“He keyed five vehicles.”