Chapter 3 - THE UNCLE WHO WORKED FOR THE LANDLORD.
Daniel had vanished after accusing Hale Agricultural Holdings of stealing federal drought relief meant for tenant farmers.
Michael believed his younger brother had fled the state.
Hale laughed.
“He accepted employment when he discovered principles do not buy groceries.”
Emma looked at Michael.
“Is that what you will say about yourself next?”
The words struck harder than anger.
Daniel arrived at the farmhouse under Hale’s orders, wearing a security coat and carrying a sealed folder. He refused to meet Sarah’s eyes.
“I came to collect the deed.”
Michael asked about Rusty.
“The dog is safe,” Daniel said. “For now.”
Sarah opened the folder. Hale’s company claimed the farmhouse, barn and sixteen acres as collateral for a seed loan Michael had never received.
Daniel admitted witnessing the loan.
“Hale promised to cancel Mom’s hospital debt.”
Michael answered, “You saved one bill by signing away our children’s home.”
Then Emma found a second page.
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The federal relief payment had been issued in her name because the farm legally belonged to her late grandfather.
Hale had collected it using Emma’s forged signature.
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