"A... what?" she stammered, taking a panicked step backward on the pavers.
WUUU-WUUU-WUUU.
From both ends of the suburban street, four unmarked black armored Suburbans and two Federal Bureau of Investigation tactical interceptors screeched to a halt around the curb.
Eight heavily armed tactical federal agents in combat vests leapt from the vehicles, their rifles raised as they secured the perimeter of the driveway in seconds.
Marching directly up the walkway was Special Agent Vance, holding a gold federal badge and an immediate executive warrant.
"Marcus," Agent Vance said with crisp military discipline. "The emergency node pinged offline. Are you secure?"
"I'm secure, Agent Vance," Marcus replied smoothly. He pointed down at Brenda's trembling hands still clutching the wire shears. "The local HOA president decided to physically sever the node over a driveway camera."