Chapter IV: The Arrival of the Squad Cars
Before Greg could take another swing, the piercing wail of police sirens flooded the cul-de-sac.
Three patrol cruisers from the county sheriff's department swerved into the driveway, their flashing blue and red strobes painting the garage walls in brilliant, rhythmic light.
Four deputies stepped out with tasers drawn, shouting commands:
"Drop the weapon! Drop the sledgehammer right now! Hands where we can see them!"
Brenda froze, the heavy hammer slipping from her sweating hands and clattering against the concrete floor. Greg stepped back, his face instantly draining of color as the reality of law enforcement set in.
"Officers! Thank goodness!" Greg stammered, raising his hands nervously. "This is just an internal HOA dispute—my wife was issuing a civil compliance notice—"
"Quiet down, sir," the lead deputy commanded, kicking the sledgehammer out of reach and stepping past the couple.
The deputy walked over to Marcus, nodding with deep, formal respect:
"Mr. Vance, we received your automated security distress alert and live video feed. Are you injured?"