One paragraph specifically warned against modifying descriptions after the fact.
That paragraph became important.
Two days later, the tree company sent its work order.
Authorized by:
VANESSA CALDWELL, PRESIDENT, SILVER RIDGE HOA.
Scope:
REMOVE 12 MARKED PINE TREES TO RESTORE LAKE VIEW.
Not fire hazard.
Not drainage.
Not storm mitigation.
Lake view.
Vanessa had written the motive down for us.
Then Martin Cole called.
“Jack.”
“Martin.”
“I owe you an apology.”
“Were you part of the removal?”
“No.”
“Did the board vote to cut twelve trees on my land?”
Silence.
“The board approved twelve thousand dollars for view-corridor maintenance.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
“No. The board did not specifically authorize crossing the boundary and removing twelve trees.”
“Did you know Vanessa scheduled the contractor?”
“No.”
“Did you know what the work order said?”
“No.”
“Preserve the meeting minutes.”
“Already done.”
“Emails too.”
“I figured.”
Martin sounded tired.
Then he said, “For what it’s worth, I told her to wait.”
“I know you did.”
“How?”
“Because you put it in writing.”
Another pause.
“Paul already has it?”