Eleanor looked at the footage.
"Iron Shield?"
"Yes."
"That’s impossible."
"Why?"
"Because the HOA never signed a contract with them."
The problem had just become much bigger.
Someone had apparently been spending HOA money without authorization.
That night, Daniel found an envelope beneath his front door.
Inside was an old photograph.
He recognized himself immediately.
The picture had been taken six years earlier, outside a courthouse.
On the back, someone had written:
"You really thought she forgot?"
Daniel stared at the photograph.
Then he remembered the name.
Evelyn Hale.
Patricia’s daughter.
Chapter 3 — The Woman Behind the Anger
Six years earlier, Daniel had worked as an investigator on a narcotics case.
Evelyn Hale had been part of a drug distribution network.
Daniel had not arrested her.
He had not prosecuted her.
He had simply been one of the investigators responsible for documenting evidence.
Evelyn was convicted.
A year later, she died in custody after suffering a serious medical complication.
Daniel had never spoken to Patricia after the trial.
Until now.
The HOA meeting was Patricia’s idea.
Officially, it was called to address Daniel’s "continued disruptive behavior."
But Daniel arrived prepared.
Eleanor had a folder.
Owen had a laptop.
And an internal-affairs investigator from the police department sat quietly near the back wall.
Patricia began confidently.
"Daniel Brooks has repeatedly disturbed this community."
Eleanor stood.
"Please provide the dates."
Patricia hesitated.
"I have evidence."
"Then show us."
There was no evidence.
Only the notices Patricia herself had created.
Owen connected his laptop to the screen.
"I reviewed the HOA accounting records."
A payment appeared.
$1,200.
Description: Emergency security consultation.
Recipient: Iron Shield Security.