His expression changed almost imperceptibly.
Then he shrugged.
"That's one consideration."
Naomi folded her hands.
"Is your company using any part of the Crescent Branch system?"
Warren's smile faded.
"I'm not familiar with the details of that historical structure."
"Your quarry sits above one of its old conduits."
He leaned back.
"Ms. Vance, the technical questions are best handled through the appropriate agencies."
Naomi nodded.
"Then I'll ask them."
For a moment, he stared.
Then he reached into his briefcase.
He placed a letter on the porch table.
It contained a preliminary purchase proposal.
Naomi read the amount.
One hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars.
For the farmhouse.
The barn.
The pond.
And all forty acres.
She looked up.
"That's not an offer I'd accept."
Warren smiled politely.
"You're welcome to consider it."
She placed the letter back on the table.
"I have considered it."
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Warren stood.
His expression became cooler.
"Just remember that unstable ground can create complicated liability issues for landowners."
Naomi felt her stomach tighten.
"Is that advice or a warning?"
He gave a short laugh.
"Professional advice."
Then he walked toward his truck.
Before leaving, he turned.
"If the pond continues deteriorating, this property may become considerably harder to sell."
Naomi watched him drive away.
She remained on the porch for nearly ten minutes.
Then she opened her notebook.
Wrote down the visit.
And placed the purchase proposal beside the old Crescent Branch documents.
The next morning, Naomi called a hydrologist.
Her name was Dr. Claire Morgan.
She was forty-one, worked with a regional environmental engineering firm, and specialized in groundwater movement and infrastructure-related land instability.
Naomi explained the measurements, the old gate, the quarry, and the purchase proposal.
Claire listened carefully.
Then asked whether anyone had been injured.
"No."
"Has the unstable area been fenced off?"
"Yes."
"Good."
She asked for the photographs and field notes.
Naomi sent them.
Later that afternoon, Claire called back.
Her tone was serious.
"I'd like to visit."
Naomi felt relieved.
"When?"
"Tomorrow, if that works."
They agreed.
Then Claire asked whether Naomi had spoken with the quarry operator.
She explained Warren's visit.
The engineer became quiet.
For a moment, she seemed thoughtful.
Then said, "Keep that letter. And don't let anyone pressure you into making a property decision before you understand the physical conditions."