Ramirez lowered his hand and turned to Clara, his tone turning ice-cold.
"Mrs. Higgins, under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and state property statutes, active-duty military personnel executing official PCS relocation orders are legally exempt from municipal and private HOA vehicle restrictions during active move-in windows."
Ramirez pulled out a state citation pad from his vest pocket.
"Furthermore, calling 911 for a non-emergency to harass a returning service member on her own property constitutes misuse of emergency services and public harassment."
Clara went pale, the flush draining from her cheeks until she matched her white shoes. "I... I was only enforcing community aesthetics..."
"You are trespassing on private property, ma'am," Ramirez said sternly. "Step off this driveway immediately. If I have to return to this address for any further interference from you, I will take you into custody."
Elena picked up her box, looked at Clara with a calm, pitying smile, and walked through the front door of her new home.
As Clara retreated down the street in humiliating silence under the watchful eyes of her neighbors, Mark and Officer Ramirez shared a nod, ready to help carry the rest of the boxes inside.