Yes. Kept emergency duplicate.
That message solved the gate mystery.
Marissa had retained Wade’s key for years.
She had not stolen it recently.
She had simply never returned it.
Another communication concerned the visible camera.
TROY:
Take front camera?
MARISSA:
If accessible. Avoid damage beyond what is necessary.
Troy’s attorney argued he had believed the operation legally authorized.
Investigators pointed out the messages suggested he knew the paperwork might not survive scrutiny.
The case widened again.
The HOA’s independent attorney, hired after Marissa’s suspension, recommended immediate separation between Blackridge and Redline.
Contract terminated.
Financial audit initiated.
Insurance notified.
Residents informed that litigation exposure could be significant.
That caused anger.
Not abstract anger.
Homeowners understood reserve funds.
They understood insurance deductibles.
They understood assessments.
Marissa’s project, supposedly intended to increase property values, now threatened to cost the association hundreds of thousands before any road existed.
Wade did not enjoy that.
Blackridge residents had not removed his vehicles.
Marissa had.
Troy had.
Specific board approvals had been bypassed.
He instructed Rebecca not to make public statements painting all homeowners as enemies.
“Why?” she asked.
“They’re about to pay for something most of them didn’t know about.”
“That’s compassionate.”
“It’s practical.”
“Also that.”
Recovery of Wade’s fleet began that evening.
Not one vehicle left the warehouse until photographed.
VIN verified.
Ownership checked.
Damage documented.
Customer vehicles received separate reports.
The 1969 Camaro’s owner, Henry Bell, stood beside the scrape in disbelief.
“Who tows a restoration car like that?”
Wade answered:
“Someone working fast.”
Henry looked at him.
“You insured?”
“Yes.”
“They insured?”
“We’re finding out.”
“Do I need my own lawyer?”
“You should talk to yours.”
Wade refused to minimize any damage.
That mattered later.
His insurer sent adjusters.
Redline’s carrier sent its own.
One company truck required front suspension work.
A trailer coupler was bent.
The Camaro needed paint correction and bodywork.
The Bronco had steering damage.
Business interruption added more.
Scheduled jobs delayed.
Three customers required substitute equipment.
Wade’s total documented loss climbed.
Not millions.
Real numbers.
Repair.
Lost labor.
Rental.
Tow costs.
Security replacement.
Professional fees.
The key cylinder at the gate was replaced that afternoon.
Wade kept the old lock.
Evidence first.
Souvenir later.
Blackridge’s vehicles remained at Roark Storage.
Marissa drove there the next morning anyway.
She stood outside the fence.
Twenty-nine vehicles in rows.
Patrol SUVs.
Trucks.
Landscaping rigs.
Executive vehicles.
Calvin was in the office.
She pounded on the glass.
“Open the gate.”
Calvin came outside.
“You need association authorization and the release requirements.”
“I am the president.”
“Your management company called.”
Her face tightened.
“What did they say?”
“That you have no authority to release association assets.”
“You cannot keep our vehicles.”
“I’m not keeping them.”
“Then open the gate.”
“Properly authorized representative can complete release.”
“You know who I am.”
“Yes.”
“That should be enough.”
“No.”
Marissa turned as Wade’s truck arrived.
He had come because Calvin asked him to provide additional footage for the storage file.
Marissa walked toward him.