“I don’t like this at all,” said Sebastian.
“We’ve got sleeping spaces set up for all of you,” said Tara. “Our barn has a loft where we put guests from time to time, seasonal farm workers, that sort of thing. It’s not fancy but it’s clean and has heat and air conditioning. There’s a communal shower as well.”
“Same for us,” said Sheri. “I’ve put fresh linens out and stocked the fridge with things I thought you might like.”
“Listen, we appreciate all of that,” said Trevon, “but we’re here to help you. You don’t need to worry about us. We’ll fend for ourselves. Treat us as if we are seasonal workers so they won’t get suspicious at all.”
Tara and Sheri looked at one another, then at their husbands. Tara nodded, smiling at the huge men and the two beautiful women in front of them. You could feel their stress and anxiety slipping away.
On their faces were lines intended for women much older than they were. It angered the men and made them even more grateful that they’d taken this case. Tara smiled at them.
“You really are exactly what they said.”
CHAPTER FIVE
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen land so black at night,” said East. “It’s as if there’s a massive shadow over everything.”
“We’re expecting rain tonight,” said Pat. “You can see the lights at Ernie’s house from mine. We’re the closest of all the neighbors. We did that intentionally. We were always together as kids and I guess nothing has changed much.
“I’ll leave you fellas to get settled. Sorry, you too ma’am,” he said nodding at Lucy.
“No ma’ams, please,” she grinned. “It makes me feel very old.”
He just nodded, leaving with his wife to head to their home. The boys were sitting outside on the porch, both with shotguns across their laps.
“We need to make sure those kids know how to use those guns,” said Sebastian. “I’d like to not have someone digging buckshot out of my ass in the middle of the night.”
“I’m going to bet those boys were shooting since they weren’t even as tall as those shotguns,” said Trevon. “My granddaddy taught me how to use a shotgun when I was six. You never knew what might be creeping onto the property.” Sebastian nodded.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Get some rest,” said Sniff. “The dogs are calm, so we’ll be fine tonight. I’m sure the others will let us know when they’re up and moving.”
“Farmers. They’ll be up before dawn,” said Trevon. “So will I.”
The same routine was taking place on Ernie and Tara’s farm. The men found the loft spaces to be larger than expected, with the narrow beds fairly comfortable. They’d slept on much worse and were prepared to do so here if necessary.
Sleep came easily for the team but when they heard knocking on the door, they leaped to their feet.
“What’s wrong?” asked Chief.
“I think you need to come see this,” said Ernie.
He stared at the field in disbelief, the feeling of dread and defeat overwhelming him. This couldn’t have happened. It was impossible. Acres and acres of fertile farmland bleak, brown, and dead.
“This can’t be,” said his wife.
“I don’t understand it,” he said with tears in his eyes. “It was all fine when we left here two days ago. The rain would have kept it watered and fertile. The corn stalks were already showing, green and beautiful. This isn’t possible.”
“Ernie, what are we going to do?” she asked quietly.
“I don’t know, honey. This was all we had. This was everything. Without the crops we lose the house, the land, all of it.”
“No. No, I won’t agree with that. I won’t allow that,” she said defiantly. “This has been your family’s farm for generations. There must be something we can do.”
He took two steps forward staring at the bleak scene in front of him. He shook his head and then turned to his wife.
“How do you feel about bankruptcy?”
