"I know."
"Have you spoken with the buyer?"
"Yes. They're willing to discuss adjustments if severe weather affects delivery, but they haven't agreed to anything yet."
Elaine nodded.
"What are you asking from us?"
Claire took a breath.
"Time."
The banker leaned back.
"How much?"
"I don't know yet."
Elaine gave her a look.
Claire continued.
"I need enough flexibility to harvest what I can, process any crop-insurance claims properly, and negotiate with the buyer before we decide how the operating note gets repaid."
Elaine studied her.
"You understand I can't promise an extension without updated figures."
"Yes."
"Or ignore the loan covenants because the dealer failed to repair a combine."
"I know."
For a moment, the room was quiet.
Then Claire placed another document on the desk.
It was the preliminary outline of the proposed farmer-owned repair cooperative.
Elaine read the first page.
Then looked up.
"What's this?"
"A second business plan."
The banker frowned.
"Claire, you're already facing a serious harvest problem."
"I know."
"And you're proposing to start another company?"
"Not alone."
She explained the meeting in the machinery shed.
The farmers interested in joining.
Maya's technical knowledge.
Eli's existing workshop.
The need for insurance, proper governance, and a limited service scope.
Elaine listened without interrupting.
When Claire finished, the banker looked toward the document.
"Have you calculated the capital requirements?"
"Preliminary estimates."
"Have you spoken with an attorney?"
"Meeting scheduled."
"Do you know the operating costs?"
"Some."
Elaine leaned back.
"Then it's too early for financing."
Claire nodded.
"I know."
The banker seemed surprised.
"Then why show me?"
"Because I want you to understand I'm not simply waiting for somebody to rescue me."
Elaine studied her.
Claire continued.
"I've spent twelve days being told I have no alternative. I'm trying to build one."
The banker was quiet for a long moment.
Then she looked toward Claire's financial statements.
"Your father was stubborn."
Claire almost smiled.
"Yes."
"Sometimes dangerously so."
"I know."
Elaine leaned forward.
"But he prepared his numbers."
Claire nodded.
"He taught me."
The banker closed the cooperative outline.
"Bring me a formal proposal when you have an attorney, member commitments, projected cash flow, and evidence that qualified technicians are willing to participate."
Claire looked up.
Elaine continued.