The young deputy shifted his weight, resting a hand on his utility belt. "Ma'am, I need to verify the property lines before I can issue a trespassing citation—"
"I am the President of the HOA!" Brenda interrupted, tapping her clipboard aggressively. "This lake is part of the Pinecrest Estates scenic view! He is not a resident, he refuses to pay our association fees, and he is loitering on our shoreline!"
Thomas finally turned his head. He looked down at Brenda with eyes as cold and deep as the lake itself. The corner of his mouth twitched into a subtle, almost pitying smirk. He took one slow, deliberate step toward her.
"Careful," Thomas said, his voice dropping to a chilling, authoritative whisper. "You're giving orders on property you never bothered to check."
Brenda blinked, her arrogant sneer faltering for a fraction of a second. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Thomas reached into the inner pocket of his fishing vest and pulled out a folded, water-resistant document. He handed it directly to the deputy, completely bypassing Brenda.