Nobody knew what that meant.
But Linda did.
She always did.
Her favorite phrase was:
"That's what the HOA rules require."
The problem was that the rules rarely said what she claimed.
I had learned that early.
So whenever Linda quoted a regulation, I read it myself.
That irritated her.
A lot.
She tapped her tablet.
"Section 7.3 allows temporary use of private exterior areas during approved neighborhood functions."
"My garage isn't an exterior common area."
"It opens onto the exterior."
"That's not the same thing."
She frowned.
"You're being technical."
"I'm being accurate."
She looked past me.
"Where's your truck?"
"On the street."
"Then you aren't using the garage."
"I was working in here."
"You're leaving tomorrow."
I stopped.
"How do you know that?"
She smiled.
"You mentioned it at the last HOA meeting."
I stared at her.
"I mentioned I was taking vacation."
"Exactly."
"So you decided that meant you could use my garage?"
"It's only for a few hours."
"No."
Her expression hardened.
"I already told the event committee we had additional parking."
"Then tell them you don't."
She stepped closer.
"Marcus, I'm trying to make this community function."
"And I'm trying to keep you from parking in my garage."
She stared at me.
Then she walked away.
"Fine."
She got into her Mercedes.
The engine remained running.
I watched her sit there.
Then she rolled the window down.
"You'll regret making this a problem."
I said nothing.
She smiled.
Then she closed the window.
The Mercedes remained inside my garage.
I called my attorney.
His name was Daniel Price.
He had represented me in several property matters.
He listened carefully.
Then asked:
"Did you give her permission?"
"No."
"Did the HOA board vote to authorize use of your garage?"
"Not that I know of."
"Does the governing document specifically mention enclosed structures?"
"No."
"Then send her a written demand to remove the vehicle."
"I already told her."
"Tell her in writing."
I did.
I sent an email to the HOA board.
I included photographs.
Time stamps.
The license plate.
The relevant HOA clause.
And one sentence:
I do not consent to the use of my private garage. Please remove the vehicle immediately.
Then I waited.
Ten minutes.
Twenty.
Thirty.
Nothing.
Daniel called back.
"Any response?"
"No."
"Then don't touch the car."
"What should I do?"
"Document everything."
I looked at the Mercedes.
Then at my welding equipment.
Then at the steel garage door.
I already knew what I was going to do.
I didn't damage the car.
I didn't touch the car.
I didn't move the car.
I secured my own property.
I brought the garage door down.
Then I installed temporary locking brackets from the inside.