Closed it again.
"This is absurd."
The Ranch Homeowner took out his phone.
"Say it again."
"Say what?"
"That you entered under HOA authority."
She realized he was recording.
Her voice changed.
"Our board has lawfully recognized this access."
"Good."
He looked toward the two board members.
"You heard that?"
One looked uncomfortable.
The other avoided eye contact.
The President pointed.
"Stop recording me."
"You're on my property."
"This is an easement."
"That's what court is deciding."
"The easement already exists."
"Yes."
The Ranch Homeowner smiled.
"That's your problem."
The President stared.
He walked back toward his truck.
She yelled:
"Where are you going?"
"Calling a tow company."
"I told you to get your tractor!"
"My tractor is for ranch work."
Her face hardened.
"You are going to regret making this difficult."
The Ranch Homeowner stopped.
Turned.
"You drove a luxury SUV into ranch mud on a road your own lawyer knows is disputed."
He pointed toward the tires.
"I didn't make this difficult."
Then another vehicle appeared from the western direction.
Not a tow truck.
County vehicle.
The Ranch Homeowner recognized the driver.
A Process Server.
The man stepped out holding a large envelope.
The HOA President looked confused.
The Process Server checked the name.
Then walked toward her window.
"Ma'am?"
She lowered it reluctantly.
He handed over the envelope.
"You've been served."
The board members froze.
The Ranch Homeowner remained silent.
The President tore open the envelope.
Her eyes moved across the first page.
"What is this?"
The Process Server walked back to his vehicle.
The Ranch Homeowner answered:
"Temporary restraining order."
Her face changed.
"No."
"My attorney filed yesterday."
The President kept reading.
The order prohibited the HOA, its board, agents, contractors, and residents acting under board authorization from using or modifying the private ranch road until the court ruled on the easement.
The President looked up.
"You planned this."
"I filed after your board voted to open land you don't own."
She stared at the mud around her SUV.
The Ranch Homeowner opened his folder.
Pulled out the yellowed 1976 record.
The President recognized it.
He held it up.