But people who make innocent mistakes don’t usually threaten the property owner standing on his own land.
“What problem?”
“There are contractual obligations now. Vendors. Families. Sponsors. The county tourism office has promoted this event.”
“Sounds like your problem.”
“Cancellation damages could exceed a hundred thousand dollars.”
“Your problem.”
“The HOA relied on documented
access rights.”
“Your problem.”
“Refunds alone—”
“Your problem.”
Her face hardened.
“You think you can just destroy a major community event because you’re angry?”
I looked over her shoulder.
The cornfield glowed gold beneath the late September sun.
Thirty-one rows near the road had already been trampled flat by workers.
The remaining corn was dry.
Mature.
Ready.
I could almost hear my father’s voice from twenty years earlier.
Corn doesn’t care about your schedule, Jack.
When it’s ready, move.
I looked back at Trish.
“I’m not destroying anything.”
“Good.”
“I’m harvesting.”
She blinked.
“What?”
“Corn’s ready.”
“You can’t.”
That was the first time all afternoon I smiled.
“I can’t harvest my corn?”
“The maze is scheduled to open Saturday.”
“Today is Thursday.”
“We have guests coming.”
“I have a combine.”
Her face went pale.
“You wouldn’t.”
I slid my phone into my pocket.
“Watch me.”
I didn’t yell.
I didn’t
threaten.
I didn’t shove anyone off my property.
I didn’t touch her fake contract.
I didn’t call Facebook.
I didn’t call the television station.
I called three people.
First, Rachel Collins.
My lawyer.
Second, Deputy Sheriff Ben Holloway, whom I had known since high school.
Third, Tyler Grant.
Tyler answered on the second ring.
“You back?”
“Yep.”
“How’s your mom?”
“Mean enough to complain about hospital coffee, so she’ll survive.”
He laughed.
Then I said, “Fuel the Case.”
Silence.
“Our corn’s still at twenty percent.”
“Check it again.”
“You thinking north field?”
“Every acre.”
“When?”
“Tonight.”
There was another pause.
Tyler knew me well enough not to ask whether I was sure.
“Okay.”
Then I added, “Bring the grain cart.”
Behind me, Trish was already calling someone.
