“My son was sent to retrieve them.”
The officer looked at Caleb.
“You were sent to retrieve groceries?”
Caleb nodded.
“My mother said he owes us.”
The officer looked back at me.
“Do you owe them money?”
“There is a disputed HOA fine.”
Bettina interrupted.
“It isn't disputed.”
I looked at the officer.
“I have written objections on file.”
The second officer arrived.
She looked at the first officer.
Then at me.
Then she froze.
“Chief?”
Silence.
Bettina's face changed.
The first officer glanced at her.
“Yes.”
The second officer straightened.
“Chief Okafor.”
Caleb looked confused.
Bettina looked at me.
“You're...”
I nodded.
“I'm Darnell Okafor.”
She stared.
The first officer spoke carefully.
“Chief of Police for Ridgecroft.”
Nobody said anything.
The neighbors had gone completely silent.
Bettina's mouth opened.
Then closed.
Then opened again.
“You're the police chief?”
“Yes.”
“But you said—”
“I never said I wasn't.”
“You told me you worked strange hours.”
“I do.”
“You never told anyone.”
“I didn't think it was relevant.”
She looked at the officers.
Then back at me.
“You've been spying on me.”
“No.”
“You've been investigating me.”
“No.”
“You've been collecting evidence.”
I took a breath.
“I've been keeping records of interactions involving my property and the HOA.”
She stared at me.
Then she laughed nervously.
“This is absurd.”
The second officer looked at her.
“Ma'am, did you call us because someone stole property?”
“No.”
“Did Mr. Okafor take anything from you?”
“No.”
“Did your son?”
“No.”
“Then what exactly is the complaint?”
Bettina looked at Caleb.
“He owes us money.”
The officer sighed.
“That's a civil dispute.”
“I want him arrested.”
“For what?”
“He refused to pay.”
“That isn't automatically a criminal offense.”
Bettina's face reddened.
“I know my rights.”
“So do I,” I said.
She turned toward me.
“Don't.”
“Don't what?”
“Don't act superior.”
“I haven't.”
“You're enjoying this.”
“No.”
And I meant it.