Eli stood beside the combine.
Grant was talking with Wes.
The others looked toward the fields with the same concern that had filled Claire's face.
She wiped rain from her cheeks.
Then nodded.
"All right."
The harvest was not over.
Not yet.
Harlan Sutter tried to leave without speaking to anyone.
Claire noticed him walking toward the company truck.
He carried the tablet beneath one arm.
His jacket was wet.
Mud covered his shoes.
For a moment, she considered allowing him to go.
She had no desire to continue the argument.
The wheat mattered more.
Then he opened the truck door and turned toward her.
"You'll still need authorized calibration."
Claire stared.
He looked toward the combine.
"Your independent repair may complicate the warranty claim."
The words struck with almost unbelievable force.
Claire had just helped the man reach shelter during a tornado warning.
They had emerged to find fields damaged by hail.
And his first concern was still whether the dealership retained control of the repair.
She took a step toward him.
"Mr. Sutter."
He looked up.
She kept her voice steady.
"You're welcome to send any warranty position in writing, identifying the specific contract terms and technical basis."
He frowned.
"I'm trying to explain—"
"No. You're trying to frighten me into waiting again."
His jaw tightened.
Claire continued.
"I'm not asking you to approve my future."
He stared.
She looked toward the green combine.
"If the company believes our documented work caused a new problem, it can provide evidence. But I'm not leaving that crop standing because you dislike an independent mechanic."
Sutter glanced toward Maya.
The mechanic was standing nearby.
She heard every word.
He looked back at Claire.
"You're going to regret this."
Claire took a breath.
"Maybe."
She met his eyes.
"But it'll be my decision."
Sutter climbed into the truck.
He slammed the door.
Then started the engine.
For several seconds, he remained parked.
Claire turned away.
She had spent enough time arguing with him.
Then her phone rang.
It was Renee from AgriTech.
Claire answered.
"Hello?"
The dispatcher sounded frightened.
"Claire, are you safe?"
Claire glanced toward the damaged fields.
"Yes."
"Oh, thank God. I saw the tornado warning."
"We made it to shelter."
Renee exhaled.
Then hesitated.
"Is Mr. Sutter there?"