Dated.
Yesterday.
The farmer looked at the mechanic.
“My tractor wasn’t here yesterday.”
“I know.”
The senior mechanic had prepared the estimate before the tractor entered the building.
The farmer read the document again.
At the bottom was a note:
Customer considering asset liquidation.
He whispered:
“That’s interesting.”
The mechanic said:
“I thought you should know.”
The farmer handed back the tablet.
“Don't confront anybody.”
The mechanic nodded.
“What are you going to do?”
The farmer looked toward the shop doors.
“Listen some more.”
6
The bank meeting had been scheduled weeks earlier.
The old farmer considered canceling.
Instead, he brought the forged estimate.
Not accusing.
Asking.
The agricultural banker had known the family for fifteen years.
He read the repair estimate.
Then looked toward the farmer.
“Why are you showing me this?”
“Did anyone send you a copy?”
The banker’s expression changed slightly.
“Why?”
“Answer first.”
He turned toward his computer.
Checked.
Then looked back.
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“Your nephew.”
“When?”
“Yesterday afternoon.”
The farmer felt cold.
“What did he say?”
The banker hesitated.
“Confidentially?”
“It’s my operating line.”
The banker folded his hands.
“He said primary backup equipment had suffered catastrophic failure.”
“That’s exactly how he said it?”
“Close.”
“And?”
“He asked whether that materially affected renewal.”
The farmer sat back.
“Did it?”
“It’s one factor.”
“Did he ask anything else?”
The banker looked uncomfortable.
“He asked what happens if planting obligations aren't met.”
The farmer stared.
The banker continued:
“I assumed you knew.”
“No.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don't be sorry yet.”
The farmer placed his phone on the desk.
Showed the video of the tractor running.
The banker frowned.
“I thought…”
“So did five mechanics.”
The farmer placed a photograph of the wedge beside it.
Then explained.
The banker leaned back slowly.
“This sounds like sabotage.”
“Yes.”
“You suspect your nephew?”
“I suspect somebody.”
“Have you contacted law enforcement?”
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Because I have metal and bad timing.”
The banker looked toward the estimate.
“You also have this.”
“Prepared before the machine reached the shop.”
The banker read the date again.
His expression hardened.
The farmer asked:
“Can anybody besides me change the loan?”
“No.”
“Can my nephew sign?”
“Only certain operating transactions under the authorization you gave him.”
“Borrow?”
“Within existing line.”
“Against what?”
“Farm operations.”
The farmer became alert.
“How much has he drawn this year?”
The banker looked toward the screen.
“Why?”
“Tell me.”
The banker hesitated.
Then turned the monitor slightly.
The number was higher than the farmer expected.
Much higher.
“That’s wrong.”
The banker checked.
“Fuel.”
“Seed.”
“Repairs.”
“Equipment.”
The farmer pointed.
“What equipment?”
A line.
Nearly fifty-eight thousand dollars.
The banker opened documentation.
Invoice.
A skid steer.
The farmer stared.
“I don't own that.”
The banker looked at him.