She had stopped shouting.
Now she was speaking softly into her phone.
Officer Hayes returned.
“Mr. Reed.”
“Yes?”
“Do you have ownership documents with you?”
Marcus handed him the portfolio.
Hayes examined the deed.
Then the survey.
Then the county property record.
The address matched.
The legal description matched.
The tax parcel number matched.
Everything appeared straightforward.
Hayes looked toward Patricia.
“Ma'am, why did you believe this property belonged to the HOA?”
“Because it is inside the neighborhood's commercial covenant.”
“That doesn't necessarily mean ownership.”
“Our attorney says we have rights here.”
“What rights?”
Patricia hesitated.
“Access rights.”
“Do you have a recorded easement?”
“Our documents—”
“Do you have a recorded easement?”
She didn't answer.
Hayes sighed.
“Okay.”
He turned to Marcus.
“Did you threaten her?”
“No.”
“Did you tell her to leave?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because she was standing on my property.”
Hayes nodded.
That distinction mattered.
He looked toward the security camera.
“Is that operational?”
Marcus nodded.
“Yes.”
“Do you have access?”
“Yes.”
“Can I see the footage?”
Marcus paused.
“Do you have a warrant?”
Hayes looked at him.
“I don't need a warrant if you voluntarily show me.”
Marcus thought for a moment.
“Fine.”
They entered the building through the rear door.
Marcus opened the security system.
The camera footage showed Patricia arriving at 2:17 p.m.
It showed her approaching Marcus.
It showed the argument.
It showed her walking to the SUV.
It showed her retrieving the brick.
And it showed her throwing it through the window.
There was no ambiguity.
Hayes watched silently.
Then replayed it.
Patricia appeared on the monitor, frozen in the frame with her arm extended.
Hayes exhaled.
“That's pretty clear.”
Marcus said nothing.
Hayes closed the laptop.
“I'll need a copy.”
Marcus transferred the file.
Outside, Patricia was waiting.
Hayes approached her.
“Ma'am, I need you to understand something.”
“What?”
“If you damaged this property, that's a criminal matter.”
“I was defending myself.”
“From what?”
“From him.”
“Was he attacking you?”
“No.”
“Threatening you?”