"Good."
She looked irritated.
"We're documenting ongoing violations."
"Which violations?"
"Landscape obstruction."
"Which section?"
She didn't answer.
One of the board members, George, looked uncomfortable.
I asked him directly.
"George, do you believe these trees are on HOA property?"
He looked at Brenda.
Then at me.
"I believe there may have been confusion."
"About the property line?"
"Possibly."
"Have you reviewed the survey?"
"Yes."
"And?"
He swallowed.
"The survey appears clear."
Brenda turned sharply.
"George."
He raised his hands.
"I'm just stating what I saw."
I said nothing.
That was the first crack.
The board wasn't unified anymore.
Brenda had spent years speaking as though the HOA were an extension of herself.
Now one of her own directors had publicly admitted the survey was clear.
She left without another word.
That night, George sent me an email.
It was short.
I am concerned that the board may not have been fully informed before the work was authorized.
Rachel preserved it.
Then came another email.
This one from the board secretary.
She wanted to know who had approved the contractor.
The question mattered because the board minutes contained no vote authorizing the work.
There was only an executive email from Brenda.
She had apparently acted alone.
The association had not authorized the tree removal.
Brenda had.
The Missing Authorization
The HOA called another board meeting.
This time, homeowners packed the clubhouse.
Brenda looked different.
No polished confidence.
No casual smile.
She held her binder with both hands.
The management company's representative opened the meeting.
"We are here to clarify the events surrounding the landscape work conducted at Lot 114."
My lot.
The representative continued.
"The board has reviewed the documentation."
Someone asked:
"Was the work authorized?"
Silence.
Then George spoke.
"I don't believe there was a formal board vote."
Brenda turned toward him.
"That is not accurate."
"Then show us the minutes."
The room went quiet.
The secretary opened the meeting records.
There was no authorization.