And she knew something Todd didn't.
A development company had been discussing a substantial financial arrangement connected to acquiring part of Hank's property.
If Hank refused to sell, the project might collapse.
Moren had a personal reason to prevent that.
The arrangement began almost a year earlier.
A representative of Plains Crest Development Partners approached Moren after an HOA meeting.
He explained that his company was evaluating additional residential expansion near Prairie Meadows.
The proposed project needed improved vehicle access and suitable infrastructure arrangements.
A narrow portion of Hank's eastern farmland was particularly attractive.
Moren knew Hank wasn't interested in selling.
The representative asked whether she could help facilitate discussions.
Initially, the request sounded harmless.
She understood the neighborhood.
Knew the residents.
And had experience organizing community meetings.
But the proposed compensation went beyond ordinary volunteer service.
Plains Crest offered a consulting agreement connected to community coordination and development planning.
Some compensation would be paid for documented services.
Additional payment depended on project milestones.
The arrangement created a serious potential conflict of interest.
Moren was HOA president.
She had duties concerning association matters.
Yet she also stood to benefit personally if a developer obtained land and access rights near the neighborhood.
She didn't fully disclose the arrangement to the board.
Instead, she began using association communications to pressure Hank.
At first, she told herself the project would benefit everyone.
A new entrance.
Additional investment.
Improved property values.
And more attractive landscaping.
But when Hank resisted, her judgment became increasingly distorted.
She began viewing his refusal as an obstacle to a future she believed she could deliver.
Then the financial incentives made it harder to admit she was wrong.
As autumn approached, Hank began preparing the corn harvest.
The weather had been mostly cooperative, though several late storms left parts of the eastern field unusually wet. The stalks stood tall, their leaves turning dry and pale as the season advanced.
His John Deere tractor became a familiar sight along the field road.
The machine was enormous, with a green body, black agricultural tires, and bright-yellow rims. It pulled heavy equipment during different stages of farm work and was one of the most valuable tools Hank owned.
He maintained it carefully.
Every morning before beginning work, he checked the machine, reviewed the day's tasks, and made sure the routes were clear.