Page 270 of Love in Riverbend
Swallowing, I make the decision to be completely honest and transparent. “Mr. Stevens, as you know, besides getting his associate’s degree, Rich spent the first thirty-two years of his life working his family’s farm.”
Mr. Stevens nods.
“A few years ago, Jack Dunn, Rich’s father, decided to sell the farm. There have been a few developers grabbing land when they can. Instead of going that route, the Dunns sold it to their daughter and son-in-law, who happens to own a neighboring farm. Altogether, Rich’s friend, Justin, is now responsible for over a thousand acres of land. Rich and Justin have been best friends since they were toddlers.” Not wanting to drag out the story too long, I jump to the issue at hand. “Yesterday, Justin Sheers was injured in an accident on that farm. He was working on a rather heavy piece of machinery, and somehow it fell, crushing his femur. We were all at a hospital in Bloomington, where Justin was airlifted to, until late last night.”
“How is this friend?”
I blink away rogue tears I didn’t realize I was crying. “He’s going to be all right. His leg never lost circulation, something the doctor said was vital in avoiding amputation. If the machinery had fallen on his spine, he could be paralyzed or worse. All in all, it is the best possible outcome.”
“How many people does this friend employ to work his land?”
“He doesn’t employ anyone. It’s just him and his father.”
“Tell me, Marilyn, did Mr. Dunn take another position at a competing firm?”
“No, sir.”
“Do you believe that working here is what Mr. Dunn truly wanted? Mr. Perkins suggested something different.”
I sit taller. “Mr. Perkins is irrelevant. Working here is Rich’s dream come true. The position you spoke with him about, combining farming, something that means so much to him, with wealth management was more than he could have possibly hoped for.”
“And he turned down our offer…?”
“To work Justin’s land. Justin is going to require physical therapy and time. He won’t be able to do all that is necessary to keep his farm from being taken.”
“Mr. Dunn chose to save his friend’s land over taking his dream job.”
Mr. Stevens didn’t ask a question, but I nod. “Yes, sir. He mentioned it last night. Things were still raw, and emotions were high. We didn’t know yet if Justin would recover. You see, as I mentioned, Justin is married to Rich’s sister.”
Mr. Stevens lets out a whistle.
“I asked Rich not to make a rash decision.”
“We have called him a few times, and he hasn’t answered.”
I pat the bag at my side. “He left his phone in Indy when he rushed to the hospital. I am taking it to him tonight.”
Mr. Stevens stands and offers me his hand. “Thank you for being up front with me. If you see Mr. Dunn…”
I smile. “I plan to.”
“…please let him know we haven’t yet accepted his refusal, and I’d like to speak to him when he has the time.”
My smile grows. “Oh, thank you, Mr. Stevens. I didn’t realize your family farmed.” When he looks at me quizzically, I add, “Rich told me.”
“My grandfather loved and respected the land. I didn’t follow in his footsteps, and it’s worked out well. However, creating an agricultural wealth management plan has been a pipe dream of mine for some time. I’m not ready to give up that dream. Do you know anyone who has the same love and respect for land and knowledge in financial planning?”
“I do.”
Mr. Stevens grins. “Thank you. You better get on the road. I suspect there’s more than one person waiting for you in Riverbend.”
I reach for my bag and walk toward my coat. As I’m putting it on, I ask, “Have you ever been down to our small town?”
He presses his lips together. “One time. It was in the autumn. Elenore enjoys Brown County. I seem to remember a shop. Quint…something or the other. Elenore raved about the lotion she bought there for years.”
“Quintessential Treasures.”
“Yes,” he says. “Is the store still there?”
