Chapter 2

I wasn't going to let this go.

First thing Monday, I ordered a high-resolution dashcam with parking mode. Motion detection, impact sensor, the works.

I also bought two small, discreet security cameras, battery-powered and Wi-Fi enabled. I mounted one on a support pillar, aimed directly at my spot. The other, I tucked into a crevice in the concrete wall, also covering the car.

Sarah thought I was going a little overboard.

"Are you sure this is necessary, Alex? Maybe it was just some random act."

"No, Sarah. It was Kevin. And the HOA is useless. I need to protect our property."

She sighed but didn't argue further. She knew that look on my face.

A few days later, I got an alert on my phone. Motion detected by the pillar camera.

I watched the live feed.

An older woman, who I vaguely recognized as Kevin's mother, Carol, was standing in my parking spot. Just standing there, arms crossed.

I went down to the garage.

"Excuse me," I said. "Can I help you?"

Carol glared at me. "This is Kevin's spot. I'm saving it for him."

"No, this is my spot. And you need to move."

"I'm not moving."

Just then, Kevin's beat-up truck rumbled into the garage. He saw his mother, saw me, and a smirk spread across his face. He started to pull towards my spot.

I quickly got into my car, started it, and pulled forward just enough to block him from entering my spot, but without leaving my space. My front bumper was inches from his.

Kevin slammed on his brakes, his truck lurching.

He jumped out, face red. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"This is my spot, Kevin. I'm parked in it. You can't."

Carol started shouting. "He's threatening us! This young man is crazy!"

"I'm calling the police," Kevin yelled, pulling out his phone.

"Go ahead," I said, calmly. I had my deed, my HOA documents, everything on my phone.

The police arrived surprisingly quickly. Two officers.

I showed them my deed, the HOA parking assignment.

One officer turned to Kevin. "Sir, this is his documented parking spot. You and your mother need to move and allow him to use his property."

Kevin argued, gesticulated, his voice rising. Carol chimed in, claiming I was harassing them.

The officers were firm. "Move your vehicle, sir. And ma'am, you cannot obstruct his access to his property."

Defeated, Kevin got back in his truck and backed out, finding another spot further away.

Carol, before walking off, turned and gave me a look. Pure venom.

It sent a chill down my spine. This wasn't over.