He wore a clean brown jacket, expensive boots, and an expression of practiced sympathy.
He approached.
"Quite a situation."
The mother stiffened.
"Yes."
He looked toward the combine.
Then toward the cranes.
"Must be costing a fortune."
She didn't answer.
He smiled.
"I heard the recovery crews were having trouble."
"They're working on it."
He nodded.
"Of course."
His eyes moved toward the old John Deere.
Then toward the girl.
"What's that little thing doing here?"
The daughter looked toward him.
"My grandpa's tractor."
He smiled.
"Well, isn't that something."
His tone made the girl uncomfortable.
The mother stepped slightly in front of her.
"Did you need something?"
The representative opened a leather folder.
"I wanted to revisit our offer."
The mother stared.
"Right now?"
He smiled.
"I know the timing isn't ideal."
She looked toward the combine.
Then back at him.
"No."
The man hesitated.
"Perhaps you should at least hear the revised terms."
The mother folded her arms.
"What revised terms?"
He opened the folder.
The new purchase figure was lower than the original proposal.
Substantially lower.
He explained that the equipment problem and uncertain harvest made the property's future operating income difficult to project.
The mother looked at the number.
Then slowly raised her eyes.
"You're offering less?"
The representative sighed.
"We have to account for the risk."
She stared.
"You came here while my combine is buried in the mud to lower your offer?"
He looked uncomfortable.
"Ma'am, I'm trying to provide an option."
The girl watched her mother's face.
She had rarely seen her look so angry.
The representative continued.
"If the recovery doesn't work, this could become a very difficult winter."
The mother closed the folder.
Then handed it back.
"Get off my farm."
His smile vanished.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
He looked toward the cranes.
Then back at her.
"I was only trying to help."
The mother shook her head.
"You can help by leaving."
For several seconds, he didn't move.
Then he glanced toward the girl.
She stood beside her mother, holding her grandfather's notebook.
The representative's eyes lingered on it.
"What have you got there?"
The daughter didn't answer.
He stepped closer.
"Is that some kind of map?"
The mother moved between them.
"It's private."
The man's expression tightened.
Then he smiled again.
"Of course."
He closed the folder.
"Think about the offer."
The mother shook her head.
"I already have."
He returned to his pickup.
Then drove away.
The girl watched until the vehicle disappeared beyond the lane.
She turned toward her mother.
"He looked at Grandpa's notebook."
Her mother nodded.
"I saw."
The daughter hesitated.
"Do you think he knew about the drain?"