Page 20 of That One Night
She leaned into him, resting her head on his arm. “You’re gonna be okay, Uncle Hendrix.”
“Yeah,” he said quietly. “Thanks kiddo. I’m trying to be.” And that was all he could hope for right now.
Emery stared at her phone, her brows pinching. This morning she’d sent over the last of the paperwork she’d managed to find to the realtor.
Jed had helped a lot. He’d talked her through the crop schedules and helped her find the employment contracts for the farm staff, and she’d finally laid her hands on the updated title deeds and farm plans that had been drawn up after her dad had sold off the pond and the surrounding land.
She re-read the email the realtor had sent back to her, her throat tight.
Emery,
Many thanks for sending these through. I noticed there’s an agricultural lien on the livestock. Can you send the details through as no sale can proceed until this is settled?
Kind regards,
Richard Houseman
WV Country Realty
She had no idea about this lien, but it obviously wasn’t good news. Turning in her chair, she called out to her mom, who was making iced tea in the kitchen.
“Do you know anything about a lien on the livestock?”
“What dear?” Her mom didn’t turn around.
“A lien. A loan. Do you know who dad took it out with?” And more importantly, how much he took out. Why did this have to be so difficult?
“I’ve no idea, honey. Your father was in charge of the finances.” She carried over a glass of sweet tea and put it in front of Emery. But there was a strange look on her face.
“Do you know where I might find out? There’s nothing about it in the farm’s bank statement.”
Her mom let out a sigh. “Do you really need it?” she asked. “Can’t we sell the farm and sort it out later?”
“That’s not how it works, Mom. The realtor needs everything.” Emery pressed her lips together. “Would Jed know about it?”
“No. We promised we wouldn’t tell…” Her mom trailed off, realizing she’d given too much away.
“What’s going on?” A shiver snaked down Emery’s spine. “What kind of lien is it?”
Her mom stood stock straight, like she was trying to hold herself together. “Maybe you should talk to Trenton,” she finally said, like it pained her to say the words.
“What would he know about it?” Emery asked, confused. “Is he involved in the loan?”
“He asked us not to tell you. Daddy promised him. We didn’t want you to worry about the farm when you were so busy,” her mom murmured.
Emery felt her whole body tense up. “Did Trenton loan you the money?” she asked.
Her mom sighed. “Yes, I think so.”
For god’s sake. Emery winced. “How much?”
“Daddy needed to buy some new livestock,” her mom told her. “We had a bad year. Or a bad few years.” She shifted herfeet. It was so obvious she was embarrassed. But why the hell did Trenton get involved?
Yes, he had money. She knew that. But it felt like control, not money.
“How much did he loan Dad?” Emery tried to keep her voice soft.
“I don’t know.” Her mom really looked like she was about to start sobbing.
