Then Hayes added:
"And the association issue?"
HOA Karen looked confused.
"What about it?"
"Your complaints against Mr. Sterling."
She looked toward John.
John shrugged.
"I've complied with every legitimate regulation."
Hayes smiled.
"Then I suggest you two settle the rest through the association process."
HOA Karen almost laughed.
"The association process."
John raised an eyebrow.
"Is there a problem?"
"No."
She shook her head.
"No problem."
Then she looked at the Mustang.
"I suppose you can keep working on your car."
John looked at the engine.
"I was planning to."
HOA Karen nodded.
She began walking away.
After several steps, she stopped.
"John."
He looked up.
"I'm sorry."
This time, John could tell she meant it.
He nodded.
"Apology accepted."
HOA Karen walked toward her house.
Chad followed.
Officer Hayes remained beside John.
"You handled that remarkably well."
John returned his attention to the engine.
"I've had practice."
Hayes smiled.
"Do you always keep this much camera coverage?"
"Yes."
"Because of your work?"
"Because people are unpredictable."
Hayes looked at the ruined mailbox.
"That's one way to put it."
John tightened a bolt.
"Another way is that evidence is usually more persuasive than arguments."
Hayes nodded.
"Fair enough."
He began walking toward the cruiser.
Then he stopped.
"Director."
John looked over.
"Yes?"
"That Mustang."
"What about it?"
"It's beautiful."
For the first time that afternoon, John's expression softened.
"Thank you."
"You restored it yourself?"
"Most of it."
"How long did it take?"
"Years."
Hayes nodded appreciatively.
"I can see why you're protective of it."
John glanced toward the street.
"I'm more protective of the people."
Hayes looked at him.
John pointed toward the bicycles.
"Cars can be repaired."
The officer nodded.
"People are different."
"Exactly."
Hayes climbed into his cruiser.
The lights were switched off.
The patrol car slowly pulled away.
John watched until it disappeared around the corner.
Then he returned to his Mustang.
He wiped his hands.
Adjusted a component.
Started the engine.
The classic V8 came alive with a deep, controlled rumble.
Several neighbors looked out from their windows.
The sound rolled through Shady Oaks.
For years, HOA Karen had been the loudest voice in the neighborhood.
Now she was gone.
John smiled faintly.
He lowered the hood.
The Mustang settled into a smooth idle.
Across the street, one of the elderly residents stepped onto his porch.
"John!"
John looked over.
"Yes?"
The old man raised a hand.
"Nice car."
John laughed.
"Thanks."
Another neighbor opened her garage.
"Are you really some kind of government director?"
John shook his head.
"Apparently the whole neighborhood knows now."
She smiled.
"I think you've been underestimated."
John looked at the quiet street.
"That's usually useful."
She laughed.
Then she went inside.