His hands shot away from his utility belt, dropping to his sides as he snapped into a rigid, trembling posture of attention. "S-Sheriff! Ma'am! I... I didn't know this was your residence!"
Brenda, completely oblivious to the hierarchy of law enforcement, scoffed. "I don't care who she is! Your husband is in violation of the bylaws, and I demand—"
"Quiet," Elena snapped, not even looking at Brenda. The sheer force of the single word made the HOA President snap her mouth shut.
Elena finally descended one step, closing the distance between herself and the trembling deputy. "Deputy, since when does this department act as the private muscle for a civil homeowners association dispute? Are there no real emergencies in this county today?"
"N-no, Ma'am! I mean, yes, Ma'am! I was dispatched to a 'hostile disturbance' call... she told dispatch he was becoming violent," the deputy stammered, throwing Brenda entirely under the bus.