More careful.
“I reviewed the order.”
“And?”
“It did not come from our office.”
The Black Homeowner sat straighter.
“Your office normally issues tow authorizations?”
“For enforcement actions coordinated through management, yes.”
“Did you authorize mine?”
“No.”
“Did the board vote?”
“I have not located a vote.”
“Was a parking amendment adopted last month?”
“No.”
That answer arrived faster.
The homeowner became very still.
“The President told me the board adopted one.”
The Manager sighed.
“There was discussion.”
“Discussion is not adoption.”
“I understand.”
“Was there a vote?”
“No.”
“Was the meeting reconvened after adjournment?”
“No.”
Another lie removed.
The homeowner looked toward the truck outside.
“Then what exactly happened this morning?”
The Property Manager paused.
“I need to speak with association counsel.”
“That sounds wise.”
“And the board.”
“Yes.”
“Please don’t take any independent action yet.”
The Black Homeowner frowned.
“What kind of action?”
“I just mean let us review.”
“I am reviewing too.”
The Manager did not like that answer.
He heard it in the silence.
The homeowner continued.
“I want the records I requested.”
“You’ll receive whatever the governing documents require.”
“Good.”
“And please understand, I was not aware of the tow request.”
“I believe you.”
That surprised her.
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because you sound terrified.”
Silence.
The homeowner smiled faintly.
“Call me when counsel has reviewed it.”
He hung up.
The HOA President called at three.
He almost ignored it.
Then answered.
“What?”
Her tone was controlled.
“I understand you have been communicating with management.”
“Yes.”
“You’re escalating a simple enforcement issue.”
“No.”
She continued as though he had not spoken.
“The vehicle was not removed.”
“Because the Driver discovered your order was invalid.”
“I did not create an invalid order.”
“Then who did?”
“The board authorized enforcement.”
“Which vote?”
Silence.
The Black Homeowner waited.
The President changed direction.
“You have become hostile.”
“No.”
“You confronted me in the street.”
“You were towing my truck.”
“You threatened legal consequences.”
“I asked for documents.”
“You embarrassed me in front of neighbors.”
The homeowner almost laughed.
“You came to my driveway with a tow truck.”
She ignored that.
“This community depends on cooperation.”
“I agree.”
“Then cooperate.”
“I am.”
Her voice sharpened.
“By refusing every request?”
“By asking you to show the rule.”