"Then your developer committed grand real estate fraud," Frank interrupted, his deep baritone cutting through the rustle of the corn stalks. "Because every inch of soil between the ridge and the river is deeded under an irrevocable agricultural trust. You don't own this field, Victoria. You don't even own the access road your car is parked on."
Chapter IV: The Sheriff's Verdict
Before Victoria could unleash another screech, two more county patrol cruisers pulled onto the dirt lane, their flashing emergency lights reflecting against the green stalks.
Stepping out was the County Sheriff, accompanied by the Regional Land Surveyor.
"Mrs. Sterling," the Sheriff announced, striding directly into the clearing. "We've reviewed the developer's filing with the state registrar. Your board illegally altered boundary markers and filed fraudulent nuisance citations against an active historic homestead."
Victoria took a panicked step backward, her heels catching on the rough soil.
"Sheriff, I was only enforcing association standards—"