The HOA Murders in Paradise

By MB Warren

A Homeowners Association can be a very good and wonderful place to live if run correctly.

But when an HOA is not run correctly it can become a very bad place to live. What happens when it becomes so bad that people can get away with murder or even multiple murders?

Kimberly is a 35 year old woman who moved out of NYC and unknowingly moved into a bad HOA. And she was about to find out just how bad it could be.

Her instincts were working overtime as she heard about one death after the other and knew something was wrong. Kim was determined to discover what was happening but never realized just how dangerous that could become. 

Harassing residents and making false accusations against them seemed to be an ongoing thing with the board and it created havoc among the residents.

Murder, arson, suicide, was one person or several people causing all of this to happen?

When the FBI became involved answers to questions were finally resolved.   

• Language: English
• Publisher: MB Warren
• Release date: Nov 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223704652

Book preview

THE HOA MURDERS IN PARADISE

CHAPTER 1

As Kimberly gazed at the array of packed boxes that filled the room she was unaware that the move she was about to make would change her life in a way that she never could have imagined. Her parents had purchased that house thirty-five years ago, just three weeks before she was born. As an only child her parents tried very hard not to spoil her, and as a result she learned to be very self-reliant and independent.

An overwhelming feeling of isolation suddenly began to intensify inside of her as she thought about all her friends and the massive amount of wonderful memories accumulated over the years. She immediately justified her move to Florida by thinking about her cousin Beverly, who was her only remaining relative who had moved to Florida five years ago, after marrying a doctor who resided there. Kim hadn’t seen Beverly since that wedding day and was looking forward to spending time with her. Growing up they had lived a few blocks apart and saw each other often. Bev had already been a big help by finding a storage unit where Kim could ship her boxes, and also found a motel where Kim could stay. 

Just as she was about to tape the last box shut, she heard the truck pull into her driveway. Rushing to the front door she pulled it open, and without waiting for the driver to enter she returned to that last box. Grabbing the tape dispenser, she started taping the seams, and began to reflect on the one other time when she contemplated moving.

Thirteen years ago, she graduated from college, and immediately started her own business as a financial analyst. Her parents supported her decision wholeheartedly and insisted that to keep her expenses down she should remain living in the house with them and she promptly agreed. Less than a year later her parents were killed in an auto accident. She inherited the house and all of their belongings and moving seemed like a good option.

But friends intervened and told her not to rush into such a life altering decision so quickly. She agreed with them, but now things have changed. Half of her income came from her two biggest clients. Within the last three months one retired and closed his business while the other moved his company to California. Then the building where she had her office was sold and her lease was due to be renewed in two months, and the new landlord informed her he was going to triple her rent and wanted her to sign a five year lease with rent increases every year.  

Since it would have been impossible for her to commit to a lease with those increases, she searched for another office space, but over the years the prices had risen far beyond anything she could now afford. So, Kim closed her business and began sending out resumes. But jobs in her field were scarce and after months of sending out resumes she hadn’t received one response.

Now she had no choice but to leave. The cost of living in New York City was skyrocketing. Even without a mortgage, many bills had to be paid each month. Knowing she couldn’t continue to use her savings she considered cashing in some of her parent’s investments, but hesitated because she knew that someday those funds would be needed as her source of income when she retired. Her only option was to sell the house, which really was too big for one person, and leave New York and find a smaller house in a State where the cost of living was lower. Her house was worth a great deal and selling it would provide her with enough money to buy a new house, car, furnishings, and pay her bills until she either found a job or started working freelance.

A loud rattling noise suddenly echoed in the room and her attention was brought back to the present. Two uniformed Transit delivery men had entered the house with handcarts. One of the men focused on the tall attractive woman, with blond shoulder length hair and an hourglass figure, surrounded by large boxes. While the other man was familiar with these one family townhouses, he knew all of them had three floors. Seeing the quantity of boxes in the room he wondered if the other two floors also held boxes.

Kim smiled as she looked at him and stated, There are forty-four boxes and all of them are in this one room. Startled that she had answered his unspoken question, he turned to look at her and opened his mouth to ask if they were going to the same address, but before he could say a word Kim offered, All the boxes are going to a storage area in Florida. 

A storage area, he repeated unable to keep the curiosity out of his voice. Looking directly at him she replied, I don’t have a house in Florida yet, so I’m placing everything in storage while I stay at a motel. 

He nodded as he glanced around the large room and through the archway into the adjourning room. Both rooms were devoid of any furnishings, and he couldn’t help wondering if she had already shipped all of her furniture to this same storage area.  

Kim tried not to smile too broadly as she remembered her parents always telling her that she had a real talent for perceiving what people were about to say then quickly stated, The lowest quote I received from movers to move my furniture was $10,000, and since almost everything I owned was very old I donated everything to three homeless shelters. I even gave them my car, because I felt it was too old to make such a long trip.

He stood there scratching his head thinking this woman was uncannily perceptive. His wife never knew what he was thinking, and never gave away anything. Good idea, he mumbled, as the two men began placing boxes on their carts and wheeling them outside.

Kim’s parents always told her, Trust your instincts. She knew she had made the correct decision about selling the house when the first person who walked in wanted to buy the house. Within a couple of weeks, the new owner’s mortgage was approved, and the closing date had been set for that morning. The quick sale made her feel like fate was confirming it was time to leave.

It took the delivery men less than an hour to load all the boxes and as soon as they drove away Kim picked up her cell phone and called John, the new owner. Earlier that day when they were signing all the paperwork, he told her to hold onto the keys, and call him after the boxes were picked up and he would come for the keys and drive her to the airport.

John was there within ten minutes, and they were on their way to the airport, with Kim answering multiple questions about the neighborhood and house. Upon arriving at Kennedy Airport Kim handed him all the keys she had in her possession and without one key in her pocket, to unlock any door, she walked into the airline terminal suddenly feeling like she was leaving New York, as a homeless person.

As Kim headed for the ticket counter, carrying her purse, one large suitcase, and a tote bag containing her laptop computer, a cold chill and feeling of trepidation swept through her. She was sure it was just a reaction to the stress and physical activity over the last few months of donating items and selling her house. Standing on line she rationed, It’s perfectly normal to feel stressed under those circumstances. Change is good.

After a flight delay of over two hours, Kim was finally settled and fastening her seat belt, relieved the plane was ready to take off. As Kim adjusted the vent above her head the flight attendant started to explain the emergency evacuation procedures, with the steady sound of thump, thump, thump, of the plane’s wheels rolling along the runway in the background.

Again, an odd twinge of apprehension enveloped her, making her feel as if her life was about to radically change, and an underlined current of fear swept through her body. It was so intense it caused her skin to become cold. Kim couldn’t comprehend why she felt this way. But like before, she convinced herself it was just stress, and everything was going to be fine. She had no idea it was a warning of things to come.

Hours later, Kim was standing in a hot, stuffy, motel lobby, waiting for someone to appear. It was almost 11 p.m. and outside the air was hot and humid, at least 90 degrees, but the lobby was stifling and felt more like 120. Either the air conditioner was off, or it was broken. Beads of perspiration were rolling down her face and onto her neck.

She had tapped the bell on the counter when she entered and waited five minutes before tapping it again, and still nobody appeared. She couldn’t understand what was taking so long. It had been a long day and all Kim wanted to do was go to bed. The flight had been filled with turbulence, making it impossible for her to relax, or sleep. Placing her hand on top of the bell, she hit it three more times. 

Staring at the door behind the counter, she fought the impulse to march over to the door yank it open and start searching for someone. She tried to convince herself to remain patient, but after just twenty seconds, irritability took over. Screw it, she muttered and began repeatedly smacking the bell with the palm of her hand and this time didn’t stop.

In the distance a muffled voice started yelling, I’m coming I’m coming. The door flew open and a very tall, thin man, about thirty years old appeared. His hair was uncombed, and he had a two or three day growth of beard on his face. He was wearing wrinkled Bermuda shorts, a white T-shirt with two mustard stains, and had a half-eaten sandwich in his left hand.

As he came closer to the counter, the air was suddenly filled with an offensive odor. Kim instantly moved backward. He smiled weakly, nodding toward the sandwich. It’s Limburger cheese and onions. Are you checking in?

Yes, I’m Kimberley Andrews and I have a reservation.

He put down his sandwich, making sure it was a few feet away from her, before typing her name into the computer. He placed a registration card and pen in front of her, saying, Your reservation says it’s for two weeks. Is that right?

At least two weeks, but it might be longer. It depends on how long it will take me to find and buy a house. Kim picked up the pen and quickly filled out the card.

He placed a room key on the counter saying, My name is Billy, if you need anything just dial 9, which connects to the front desk. Picking up the key she held it up and asked, Does this room have a working air conditioner?

He looked at her blankly for a moment, before grinning sheepishly. Oh yeah, the air conditioner works fine in all the rooms, it’s only broken in the lobby. The repairman is coming tomorrow to fix it.

Good, Kim mumbled, clutching the key tightly as she turned to leave. It felt good to hold a key in her hand knowing it unlocked a door to a place where she lived, even if was just a temporary room in a motel. Heading toward her rental car she observed the neon sign next to the road flashing, Welcome to the Bates Motel. She couldn’t help thinking they should seriously consider changing the name. 

Billy moved swiftly to the window focusing his vision on Kim’s butt, watching the way it swayed with every step she took. His eyes were glued on her bending over, pulling a suitcase out of the backseat of her car, and carrying it into her room located next to the lobby. 

When she was no longer in his sight, Billy licked his lips and rushed behind the counter. Heading straight for the phone, grumbling, Now that’s some pretty piece of meat. He quickly dialed a number and when the phone on the other end was answered, he immediately stated, I thought you might be interested in the motel’s newest arrival, a woman named Kimberly Andrews.

Kim entered the dark room and flipped the light switch next to the door causing every light in the room to pop on. She surveyed the warm room. It was clean and even smelled fresh. She headed to the air conditioner to check the controls. It was set at 80 degrees. She changed the setting to 75 not really expecting the air to increase, but to her surprise cooler air instantly began flowing from the vents. 

After undressing and donning a nightgown from her suitcase, Kim climbed into bed, flipped the switch next to her bed, and all the lights turned off plunging the room into total darkness. She was asleep within minutes. Hours later she woke up feeling refreshed and content, with no desire to even open her eyes. She wanted to savor this moment, for as long as possible. But instead, her peaceful moment ended with the persistent ringing of the phone. Reluctantly she opened her eyes, grabbed the receiver, and scarcely finished croaking out, Hello, when the excited voice of her cousin Beverly gushed over the line telling her how much she missed her, and rattling off a dozen things they could do that day.

In a slightly stronger voice Kim interrupted her, Hold on, I missed you too, but I just woke up and haven’t even showered, or had breakfast.     

Oh good! her cousin exclaimed, I haven’t had breakfast either. I know a terrific restaurant called the Homestyle Café. It has a fabulous breakfast menu. It’s now 9:15, I’ll pick you up around 10:30.

Okay, agreed Kim. But she was talking into a dead phone, Beverly had already hung up. Kim was six months older than Bev and they looked so alike people often mistook them for twins. And although they liked the same type of things their personalities were exact opposites. Bev was extremely impulsive while Kim liked to plan things out before she did anything. 

Bev’s husband Jeff Trudell, a pediatrician, met Bev while attending a convention in New York. They dated and when he returned to Florida, they kept in touch. After three months of phone calls and emails, Jeff proposed. After they were married in New York, Bev relocated to Florida.

Kim barely had enough time to shower and dress before she heard the rapid knocking on her door. As usual Bev had arrived a half hour ahead of time. She was never late for anything and always early. The moment Kim opened the door Beverly threw her arms around her crying excitedly, Oh it’s so good to see you. You haven’t changed a bit.

Thank you, Kim answered, surveying her cousin. You look fantastic. Florida really seems to agree with you. Taking hold of both of Kim’s hands, Bev said earnestly, I wish you had moved here years ago, and I’m so glad you’re here now.  After breakfast we can spend the whole day shopping.

No, Kim answered firmly. After breakfast, we’ll go to a real estate office and hopefully I’ll be able to find a house soon and depart from the Bates Motel within a few days.

You always did have an offbeat sense of humor, Bev replied cheerfully. I thought you would enjoy staying here, as long as you remember to lock the bathroom door when you take a shower.  Smiling Kim replied, I already took a shower today, with the door unlocked.

We’ll take my car, if I can remember which one it is, kidded Bev. There’s a light blue car parked outside that looks like an exact duplicate of mine.

Kim started laughing as she said, That’s my rental car.

Four weeks later Kim still hadn’t found a house. She had gone out with real estate agents every day and just returned to her motel room after spending another whole day viewing houses with two different agents. She was exhausted, frustrated, and angry. Despite giving both agents instructions that she wanted a house empty and in good condition, every house they showed her either still had people living there or needed major renovations making it impossible for her to occupy the house immediately. They hadn’t listened to a word she said.

It was ten to five and Kim’s last appointment was at five o’clock, she wanted to cancel so badly, but this agent, Cynthia Dupont, had called weeks ago and Kim had lost her phone number. So yesterday when she called again Kim felt badly and scheduled an appointment for the end of the day. But now, the idea of having to see one more unsuitable house unnerved her.

Kim heard a car outside and peered out the window and saw a convertible with the top down and a young woman about 25 years old, with short brassy blond hair, wearing sunglasses. Damn, muttered Kim. She disliked riding in convertibles when the top was down and the bad mood that she was in instantly became worse. She was about to walk away from the window when the top of the car began to rise up. Watching as it covered the car she mused, Maybe this agent will have an accurate perception on the type of house I want to purchase. 

Cynthia purposely arrived early, so she could enclose the car and turn on the air conditioner. She planned to wait until the interior of the car was cool, before knocking on Kim’s door. But when she looked up, the door of room 105 opened and a smartly dressed woman emerged and walked briskly to the car. As Kim slid into the front seat and swung her long shapely legs into the car, they exchanged quick introductions. Before Kim could snap her seat belt closed, Cynthia was backing the car out of the parking space stating, I pulled four listings off of my computer this morning to match your criteria. I’m sure you’ll like one of them.

Kim almost groaned aloud at the idea of viewing four more houses. Not wanting to waste more time, and hoping to eliminate at least two or three of them, she immediately asked, Are any of them occupied or need renovations?

Of course not, Cynthia answered, turning toward Kim. You stated you wanted to move in as quickly as possible, and you couldn’t do that if people still lived in a house, or if the house needed repairs. Kim suddenly felt encouraged. Had she finally found an agent who had listened to her?

The first two houses were almost identical in appearance and though nice, they were very average. The third one was a strong possibility. After they exited, Kim gazed at the house stating I think this house is closer to what I’ve been looking for, then any of the others Cynthia locked the door, excited at the possibility of a sale and a high commission occurring. She had left the two highest priced houses for last and was firmly resolved to sell Kim one of them. She began to consider it lucky Kim hadn’t gotten back to her a few weeks ago, because the next house just came on the market that day and was currently the highest priced house on her list. I’m glad you liked it, Cynthia said nonchalantly, as they headed toward the car. The next house is located in a gated community, about ten minutes from here.  

Climbing into the car Kim glanced at her watch, it was 7 p.m. and already dark, with a light rain beginning to fall. Kim was so tired of house hunting she was tempted to tell Cynthia she’d take the house they just saw. Instead, taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and held onto to the fact that the next one would be the last house for the day and hopefully forever. Cynthia knew she was taking a big chance to bring Kim to this gated community, run by a board who didn’t want agents bringing anyone under the age of forty to look at houses. But she didn’t care, she was determined to sell a house to Kim. Less than ten minutes later, it was now raining hard as Cynthia made the left turn into a driveway, exclaiming, Welcome to Paradise!

Kim opened her eyes to be greeted with a large water fountain, located in the middle of an island about twenty feet wide. Centered on both sides of the fountain were spotlights hitting the cascading water and with the falling rain causing the illusion of sparkling diamonds.  Surrounding the fountain was a manicured lawn and flowers and behind it was an abundance of tall thick trees. The entrance driveway was on the right side and an exit driveway on the left side of the island. Paradise, Kim repeated.  

Nature’s Paradise Estates, Cynthia explained, That’s the full name of this community. But everyone refers to it as Paradise. Kim looked around the entrance area. The name of the community was nowhere to be seen. The only signage on the island was a small post with the address number 2724. Odd, thought Kim, an address with no name. I guess they had to forgo the name to have that beautiful fountain.

As Cynthia slowly drove past the fountain, they entered an amazing world filled with natural foliage. An assortment of high trees, pines, oaks, palms, etc. were on both sides of the driveway and the neatly trimmed bushes were at least ten feet high. After traveling about 200 feet they were greeted with twenty feet of open space, and ahead of them was an impressive brick wall, about eight feet high surrounding the community. The section of the wall running across the island held a large sign with gold letters, bearing the name, Nature’s Paradise Estates. Lit spotlights were on each side of the sign causing the gold lettering to glow.

Across each driveway and attached to the walls were black iron gates, extending to the top of the wall. The vertical bars on each gate were spaced about 6 apart, offering a clear view of the community inside. Cynthia stopped a few feet from the wide gate and hit a remote on the visor above the windshield of her car. Like a baby taking small steps, the gate slowly swung open until it touched the side of the road, where it stopped and waited. After entering Cynthia turned left onto Bayberry Street, while Kim turned around and watched the huge gate automatically close.  After passing two houses Cynthia stopped and pointed to the house on the left corner saying, This is the best spot to view this house."

Kim peered intently at the one story house. The front faced Oak Street and the side extended along Bayberry Street. All of the many windows had white mini blinds that were closed. The house was painted teal and all the trim surrounding the house was painted charcoal gray.

Over the next few minutes, Cynthia did her sales pitch, explaining all the perks of the house and that it has been empty for three months and came on the market today. Kim will be the first person to see it and she gave Kim the asking price before turning onto Oak Street and driving up the long driveway into the carport.

Immediately upon exiting the car Kim walked to the edge of the carport. Though the rain obscured her view, a few nearby houses were visible. Every house was a different color and style, nestled among an assortment of trees, with each yard landscaped differently. The developer who built this community left most of the natural foliage in place giving it a rustic look. After spending the day observing communities where all the houses and yards looked exactly the same, this was a welcome and unexpected change.

Kim turned her attention to the interior of the carport. The front door was located in the center of a landing six feet long, with five steps on each side. One set of steps led directly into the driveway, the other into the carport. Kim noticed the kitchen door Cynthia had described, about forty feet further into the carport with the same type of landing and steps. At the back of the carport was a large storage shed attached to the house.

We’ll use the front door, Cynthia said, as she walked up the steps with Kim following. The second Kim stepped inside she fell in love with it and knew this was the house she wanted. She had entered an enormous living room with a dining area about ten feet from the front door, followed by a kitchen with an island separating it from the living room. The living room and dining room had blond oak flooring and the kitchen had cream colored tile with flecks of black and gray. Kim rushed through the massive room into the hallway. A door on the right opened to a full bathroom. On the left, the first room could be used as an office or bedroom, then along the hallway two more large bedrooms, each one having their own full bathroom.

She continued down the hall into a large open room facing the backyard that could be used as a family room or office. An open door led into a utility room, containing a full size washer and dryer, sink, counter and storage cabinets. Inside that room was another door leading into the shed which was fully stocked with gardening tools and two other doors. Cynthia pointed at one door stating, That one leads into the backyard, and the other one goes into the carport.

Every room appeared airy and spacious. Kim felt it was destined to become hers. Trying not to display the excitement she actually felt, she returned to the Master bedroom and opened one of the windows and was surprised at the weight of the glass. Are all the windows this thick and heavy? she asked.

Yes. They can withstand hurricane winds up to 150 miles per hour. Then Cynthia quickly added, But you’ll never have to worry about that here in Central Florida. There hasn’t been a bad hurricane in this area in 40 years. As Kim shut the window she commented, This place is bigger than what I had originally planned on buying.

Cynthia nervously responded The house is 2,500 square feet, and the property around it, is one acre. It is one of the largest houses and lots in here.

You mentioned the house has been empty for three months. Why did the owner wait so long to put it up for sale? As they headed to the kitchen, Cynthia quickly explained, The family of the previous owner lives in Ohio. They only managed to arrive here last week to clean out the house. Kim repeated The family of the owner, Did the previous owner die? 

Cynthia quickly gave an explanation. Maggie Robinson, the woman who lived here, collapsed in the clubhouse located a few blocks away and died on the way to the hospital.

How awful, Kim answered softly, absently running her hand over the top of the electric stove. There was no discoloration or grease on any of the burners, either they were rarely used or never used. Looking around Kim realized all the appliances were in pristine condition. Everything looks so new, Kim stated. Did she live here long?

About five years. She had all of the kitchen appliances plus the clothes washer and dryer replaced about one week before she died. Kim questioned, So her death was unexpected, and not due to some type of long term illness? How old was she?

She was fifty-five and it was very sudden, she had a heart attack, Cynthia answered nervously. She didn’t want to reveal several people living in the community were concerned about how she died, or that Maggie’s family had also asked many questions.  

Now anxious to make the sale, Cynthia quickly stated, "This community has a manager and seven volunteer board members, who are owners and elected by all the owners for two year terms. The terms are staggered, four people are elected one year and three the next, so elections are held every year. The Board oversees the collection of dues from everyone, only $120 per month, and uses those funds to pay all bills, maintain facilities and handling any other problems.

That does sound reasonable. The price you quoted for the house appears to be low in comparison to the size and condition of the house. Why are they asking for that amount?

The family priced it lower because they have been paying all the bills to maintain this house plus their own home in Ohio. They want a quick sale. Kim asked a few more questions than in order to expedite the sale she stated, I’ll take it and I’m willing to pay the asking price. 

That’s wonderful, answered Cynthia, inwardly excited. We should be able to go into closing in three or four weeks. No, replied Kim politely but firmly, I’m paying cash, so I’d like to go into closing by the end of this week or Monday of next week at the latest.