He felt the enormous, aching relief of discovering that his father’s carefulness might protect him one last time.

CHAPTER 17: THE VOTE VIVIEN COULDN’T STOP

Vivien called an emergency association meeting as soon as she heard that Sterling Asset Recovery was being investigated. She planned to describe the outside scrutiny as an attack on the neighborhood, a campaign by disgruntled residents who disliked being held to standards.

The clubhouse was already crowded when she arrived. Residents stood shoulder to shoulder along the walls. Marlene Ellis sat in the first row with her folder on her lap. Sandra stood near the back, talking quietly with the board’s newly appointed records custodian.

Vivien stepped behind the podium.

“I will not allow outsiders to destroy the reputation we’ve built,” she began. “These accusations are being stirred up by a man who moved here less than a month ago and has already created chaos.”

Elijah had not planned to attend. Detective Price advised him not to discuss the active investigation, and he had no intention of using his position to persuade the board. He was there only because his own property had been singled out in official HOA notices.

When Vivien turned the projector on, the screen displayed his Mustang.

“This vehicle is the center of a disputed ownership matter,” she announced. “We have done nothing but cooperate with the appropriate authorities.”

“Why did you call it stolen?” Sandra asked.

“Because the paperwork raised concerns.”

“You told 911 you had watched him steal it. Did you?”

Vivien’s face hardened. “I used language that described the seriousness of my concerns.”

“That’s not what they asked you.”

The room quieted.

Marlene stood and raised a stack of letters. “I have a question about Sterling Asset Recovery. Why was I charged storage on a trailer that never left my house?”

Vivien lifted her chin. “Mrs. Ellis, your case was resolved.”

“I paid because I was scared you’d take my house. That isn’t the same as resolved.”

A man in a work jacket stood next. “They towed my truck before the warning period expired.”

Another woman raised her hand. “My appeal was denied before the hearing date.”

Vivien repeatedly called for order. She tried to move to a vote endorsing the existing contracts. But Sandra asked the board to suspend new recovery actions pending an independent audit. Two members seconded the motion. When the vote came, a majority approved the suspension.

Vivien slammed her binder shut.

“You’re all being manipulated,” she said. “By him.”

She pointed directly at Elijah.

For the first time that evening, he rose.

“I didn’t bring those people here,” he said. “They live here. You’ve known their names for years.”

“You’re using your title to turn them against me.”