The prosecutor paused.
“So his misconduct, in Mrs. Sterling’s view, consisted of requesting proof that the rule existed?”
Darren looked toward Brenda.
“Yes.”
Brenda stared straight ahead.
The prosecutor played the voice message.
Make an example out of him.
You could feel the room change.
Brenda’s attorney argued that she meant administrative enforcement.
Warnings.
Fines.
Suspension of amenities.
Not armed intimidation.
The prosecutor asked Darren why he brought the firearm.
“I carried it for work.”
“Did Brenda know that?”
“Yes.”
“Did you discuss whether you would be armed?”
“Yes.”
“Did she tell you not to carry?”
“No.”
“Did she tell you not to threaten Mr. Vance?”
“No.”
Darren swallowed.
“She told me to make sure he understood there were consequences.”
Then the doorbell footage played.
I had seen it many times by then.
Still, my hands tightened.
There I was.
Standing in the doorway.
Darren demanding the key.
