It was our security operations center.
“Cole?”
“Yes.”
“We lost the circuit.”
“I know.”
“Utility failure?”
“Manual disconnect.”
“Authorized?”
“No.”
“Stay at the property.”
“I’m here.”
“Do not allow anyone to reconnect or modify the equipment until the incident team arrives.”
“Understood.”
Karen had heard enough to become amused again.
“You people are unbelievable.”
“What people?”
“Men who think saying ‘federal’ makes everyone panic.”
I put the phone away.
“Karen, go home.”
“No.”
“This is no longer an HOA dispute.”
“It absolutely is.”
“The connection isn't HOA property.”
“The box is outside.”
“So is my mailbox.”
“That camera comes down today.”
“No.”
She pointed toward the technician.
“Then the line stays disconnected.”
The technician shook his head.
“Ma'am, I'm not comfortable doing anything else.”
“You have a work order.”
“I need to call my supervisor.”
Karen's expression hardened.
“You've already been paid.”
That word caught my attention.
Paid.
“Who paid?”
The technician hesitated.
Karen snapped:
“Don't answer him.”
He looked down at his tablet.