“No, it isn't.”

“You cannot block community access.”

“There is no community access.”

Daniel sighed.

“We're trying to understand the history.”

“I already sent you the history.”

Karen pointed toward the road.

“This route has been used by Aspen Hollow residents for years.”

“Without permission.”

“That creates reliance.”

Rachel's voice came through the phone.

“No, Mrs. Whitmore.”

Karen stared at the phone.

Rachel continued.

“Repeated trespass does not create an easement simply because it was convenient.”

Karen's face reddened.

“You're oversimplifying.”

“No,” Rachel replied calmly.

“You're overclaiming.”

Eight Minutes

One board member, Peter, looked at Karen.

“What would it take to resolve this?”

“Nothing,” I said.

He frowned.

“Nothing?”

“The road is closed.”

Karen laughed.

“That's unreasonable.”

“No.”

I looked at her.

“What was unreasonable was driving through posted private property after receiving certified notice.”

Karen crossed her arms.

“You're doing this because you dislike me.”

“I'm doing this because I own the road.”

Daniel looked at Karen.

“Do we have any document supporting access?”

Karen turned toward him.

“Daniel, not in front of him.”

The words hung in the air.

Peter stared at her.

“Not in front of him?”

Alicia, another board member, narrowed her eyes.

“Karen, have you actually seen an easement?”

“I've seen references to historic use.”