But that evening, he made a phone call.
The Folder
Sterling contacted Sergeant Wynn Mercer in Internal Affairs.
Mercer had worked with him for years.
When Sterling said he wanted a background review on Hadley Lockwood, Mercer immediately became serious.
“What kind?”
“Police complaints. Vehicle disputes. Anything connected to Briarwood Glen.”
Mercer frowned.
“Anything else?”
“Financial connections.”
“That sounds more serious.”
“It may be.”
Four days later, Mercer arrived at Sterling's house carrying a thick folder.
“Chief, you need to sit down.”
Sterling sat.
Mercer opened the folder.
Hadley had filed numerous complaints against residents over several years.
Most involved vehicles.
Some homeowners had been accused of violating parking restrictions.
Others had supposedly abandoned vehicles.
Several had been pressured to remove cars from their driveways.
Four residents eventually sold vehicles at unusually low prices after prolonged disputes.
Sterling studied the documents.
“That's suspicious.”
“Very.”
Mercer turned another page.
“This is where it gets worse.”
Briarwood Glen had collected enormous amounts in HOA fines.
Some of the money was legitimate.
Some was difficult to explain.
A significant portion flowed through contracts involving a development company owned by Whit Lockwood.
That company purchased distressed homes from homeowners carrying heavy HOA debts.
Sterling stared at the documents.
“They fine people until they're desperate.”
Mercer nodded.
“Then Whit offers to buy the properties.”
“How many?”
“We're still counting.”
Sterling leaned back.
“Cars too?”
Mercer nodded.
“Several.”
The pattern was becoming clear.
The Lockwoods weren't simply obsessed with enforcing neighborhood rules.
They appeared to be using those rules to create pressure.
Fines.
Warnings.
Inspections.
Threats.
Debt.
Then offers.
Sterling immediately understood that he could no longer investigate this himself.
His position created a conflict.
He called the district attorney.
Detective Holt Bramwell from Major Crimes was assigned.
Sheriff investigators joined the financial investigation.
Sterling removed himself from operational control.
He would provide evidence.
Nothing more.
But Holt had one question.
“Do you think they'll try something with your Mustang?”
Sterling looked toward the garage.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because Hadley believes she can make me sell it.”
“And if you don't?”
Sterling's answer was quiet.
“She'll try to make ownership disappear.”
Holt studied him.
“Then don't move the car.”
Sterling raised an eyebrow.
“You're suggesting bait?”
“I'm suggesting we let her make the next mistake.”
Sterling nodded.
“I was thinking the same thing.”
The investigation continued quietly.
Tate discovered that Bryson had been asking friends whether they would testify that Sterling had agreed to sell the Mustang.
One friend refused.
Another told Tate.