Walter had protected the crop's most important history in a place the developer would never think to search.
Because Harlon had spent years studying the land.
But he'd never taken the time to understand the man who worked it.
By sunrise, Dileia had scanned every page she found beneath the grain scale.
She slept for less than two hours.
Then she drove to Boise carrying the original documents inside a locked case, with copies stored separately in a secure account.
The attorney examined Walter's records in silence.
Some concerned scientific observations.
Some documented ownership and research history.
Others identified agreements limiting how outside organizations could use material received from the farm.
The attorney turned slowly through the pages.
Then looked toward Dileia.
“Your father was more organized than you realized.”
Dileia laughed tiredly.
“He hid an entire scientific archive under a grain scale.”
The attorney smiled.
“Yes, but he also kept the documents that matter.”
She pointed toward the old research transfer agreement.
It identified Walter as the supplier of the original samples and placed restrictions on their use.
It did not establish that every aspect of the crop was legally protected intellectual property.
But it did provide important evidence of the relationship between Walter's work and the laboratory's archived samples.
Another document described the cultivated planting stock and the conditions under which sample material could be distributed.
Then came the letter from the land consultant connected with Harlon.
The attorney read it twice.
Her expression became serious.
“This deserves closer examination.”
Dileia leaned forward.
“Does it prove he knew?”
“It suggests his company was aware of the crop's potential value several years ago.”
The attorney tapped the page.
“And it may help establish why your farm became the subject of repeated acquisition efforts.”
Dileia stared.
“He called Dad a fool.”
The attorney looked toward her.
“I know.”
“He kept offering almost nothing for the land.”
“I know.”
Dileia's eyes filled.
“And now he's claiming Dad signed an agreement after he died.”
The attorney placed one hand gently over the folder.
“We're going to challenge that document. But I need you to focus on something else too.”
Dileia looked up.
“The October first deadline.”
Her stomach tightened.
The attorney continued.
“Winning an argument about your father's research won't save the property if the loan problem isn't addressed.”
Dileia nodded.
“I know.”
They contacted the bank.
Provided evidence that Helvetic was conducting legitimate due diligence.
And requested a short written extension while the funding proposal was evaluated.
The lender agreed to consider the request, but required credible documentation.
The attorney then contacted Dr. Meier.
He arranged an emergency technical meeting with Helvetic's commercial team and a laboratory partner in Idaho.