“The face that means somebody has made a very expensive mistake.”
Mark smiled.
“Maybe.”
Chapter 3 — Operation Spring
Mark created a folder on his computer.
He named it Operation Spring.
Inside it went photographs, property surveys, HOA correspondence, copies of every fine, dates, names and notes.
He contacted the county and began researching the history of the property.
The answer came quickly.
The spring wasn't a recent feature. It had existed long before the subdivision had been built.
More importantly, it was part of a protected natural-water system.
Mark contacted the state environmental agency.
A representative named Davies reviewed the photographs and property records.
“You should not fill that spring,” Davies told him.
“I figured that out.”
“No, I mean don't let anyone else fill it either. If the spring is what your documents indicate, disturbing it could violate environmental regulations.”
Mark leaned back in his chair.
“So the HOA is ordering me to do something the state may prohibit.”
“That appears to be the situation.”
Mark thanked him and ended the call.
Sarah looked at him.
“Well?”
Mark turned the laptop around.
“They picked the wrong property.”