No response.
The following week, somebody left a bright red notice taped to my front door.
FINAL WARNING.
SURRENDER REQUIRED ACCESS KEY WITHIN 48 HOURS.
FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN ENFORCEMENT.
No bylaw citation.
No attorney signature.
No board vote.
Just pressure.
I photographed it.
Saved it.
Then installed a second camera covering the driveway.
Mrs. Bell watched me from across the street.
“You expecting burglars?”
“HOA.”
She nodded.
“Worse.”
I laughed.
Then she stopped smiling.
“They asked me for my key.”
“What did you tell them?”
“I gave it.”
My stomach tightened.
“Why?”
“Brenda said everyone had to.”
“Did they give you a receipt?”
“No.”
“Did you sign anything?”
“No.”
“Do you know where the key is?”
“The office, I assume.”
That answer made me uncomfortable.
“How many people gave them keys?”
Mrs. Bell looked down the street.
“A lot.”
That evening I started knocking on doors.
Not campaigning.
