There was a brief pause on the line, followed by a long, weary sigh. Daniel knew Karen by reputation.
"I'm three blocks away," Daniel said. "Don't sign anything, don't move the truck. I'll be there in five minutes."
When I hung up, Karen sneered. "Who did you just call? Your lawyer? You can't out-lawyer the association!"
"You'll see," I replied, folding my arms.
Enter the State Attorney
While we waited on the driveway, Karen continued her monologue for the benefit of the gathering crowd of neighbors, lecturing everyone on community fairness and how older residents should "look out for the younger generation's mobility." Her son kept grinning, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
Then, a sleek black SUV pulled up to the curb.
The driver's door opened, and Daniel stepped out. He wasn't wearing suburban casual; he was coming straight from the office in a dark gray tailored suit, leather dress shoes, and a gold state shield clipped to his belt right beside his identification badge. Daniel wasn't just an attorney; he was the Chief Deputy State Attorney for the district.
The second he stepped onto the concrete, the entire atmosphere shifted. The two patrol officers immediately recognized the badge, straightening up as if undergoing a surprise inspection. Neighbors who had been whispering went dead silent.
Karen, oblivious to the state seal on the badge, pasted on her fake, sugary smile and took a step toward him. "Oh, thank goodness you're here! You must be the senior investigator. Finally, someone with real authority who can see the truth about this stolen vehicle!"
Daniel didn't even look at her face. He walked straight past her, showed his credentials to the senior patrol officer, and picked up my folder from the officer's hands. He reviewed the title, checked the registration date, and turned to look at Karen with an expression of cold, professional detachment.
"Ma'am," Daniel said flatly. "Everything in this folder is verified and legitimate. The vehicle belongs entirely to my brother-in-law. This matter is concluded."