"Furthermore," John added, stepping closer to Victoria until his tall frame towered over her, "filing a false police report against a retired four-star officer and attempting to intimidate an active investigation carries severe federal and state penalties. Would you like to proceed with that official sworn statement, Ms. Vance?"
Victoria’s arrogance crumbled entirely. Her mouth opened, but only a dry gasp came out. She clutched her phone against her stomach, backing away toward her son as the neighbor's curtains twitched with quiet amusement.
"Officer Hayes," John concluded with a respectful nod, "take their statements, impound the boy's vehicle for reckless endangerment, and cite Ms. Vance for submitting a fraudulent emergency dispatch."
"Right away, General," Hayes replied firmly, turning to Chad and pulling out his citation pad.
Without another word, John turned back to his 1969 Mustang, picked up his wrench, and returned to his work beneath the hood, leaving the disgraced HOA president to face the consequences of her own arrogance.