Marcus wasn't the only one.
He just happened to be the first person willing to document everything.
There was Elaine Foster, whose husband had been fined because their mailbox was “visually inconsistent.”
There was Harold Jenkins, seventy-two, who had been fined for installing a wheelchair ramp without “aesthetic consultation.”
There was the Ramirez family, who had been threatened with legal action after their daughter parked in the driveway for thirty minutes while unloading groceries.
There was Priya Shah, whose holiday decorations had been called “excessive.”
Each person had a story.
None wanted a fight.
Marcus invited them to his house.
Not for revenge.
For information.
They compared letters.
Dates.
Fine amounts.
Board decisions.
Something began to emerge.
Certain homeowners were repeatedly targeted.
Others received warnings instead of fines.
Some violations were ignored entirely.
The difference seemed to be whether homeowners challenged Victoria.
Dana reviewed the documents.
“This isn't proof of discrimination.”
Marcus nodded.
“I know.”
“But it may show inconsistent enforcement.”
“Can we prove it?”
“Possibly.”
They needed records.
Board minutes.
Enforcement logs.
Vendor contracts.
Financial statements.
The association resisted.
Victoria claimed privacy.
Marcus filed formal requests.
Then another letter arrived.
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OF COMMUNITY PRIVILEGES.
Reason:
“Repeated antagonistic conduct toward association leadership.”
Marcus laughed when he read it.
Dana didn't.
“This is escalating.”
“I know.”
“Do you want to sell?”
Marcus looked toward the backyard.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I shouldn't have to.”
Dana nodded.
“Then prepare.”
The Pool Technician
The pool technician's name was Luis Mendoza.
He had serviced Marcus's pool for two years.
After Wednesday's discovery, Luis came back with another employee.
They drained the pool.
They inspected the filter.
They searched the bottom.
They found seventeen pieces of glass.
Some were fresh.
Some were older.
Luis placed them into separate evidence bags.
“Different bottles,” he said.