Chapter 10 — The Hearing
Months later, the independent review was complete.
The report found serious procedural failures.
It did not claim every violation had been intentional.
But it found that enforcement had repeatedly been initiated without adequate verification.
The board adopted new safeguards.
No vehicle could be immobilized without two independent checks of the plate and address.
Homeowners would receive photographic evidence.
Contractors would record the exact plate before installing any device.
And board members could not personally order enforcement against a homeowner involved in a dispute with them.
At the hearing, Daniel spoke.
"I don't want revenge."
He looked around the room.
"I want the next person to have a better experience."
Claire nodded.
That was the point.
Chapter 11 — The Driveway
A year later, Daniel stood in the same driveway on another bright Monday morning.
His sister's SUV was gone.
His own truck was parked there.
A new HOA contractor approached and checked the plate.
Then he checked it again.
"Everything matches."