CHAPTER THREE
“What do y’all think?” asked Patrick staring at his teammates.
“I think none of us knows shit about crops or livestock,” said Ham.
“But I also know that those people need help and I don’t like the sound of what’s happening.
We know what it’s like to work the land, to make something of nothing.
These people are the very core, the very foundation of making something from nothing. ”
“I feel the same,” nodded Gator. “It feels as though something is definitely happening up there and they are not equipped to deal with it.”
“Hey guys,” said Hiro, “just confirming that both men did serve four years in the Army, both honorably discharged. Earned degrees in agriculture and animal husbandry. They’re legit.”
“What about the two they mentioned? Grant and Morgan?” asked Ham.
“They’re with a company called Heartland Development. I don’t have much else right now, but I will.”
“Find it for us. All of it. In the meantime, if nothing else we can provide cameras, security, and an extra pair of hands, or ten, to help them get through the spring and into the summer,” said Patrick.
“I agree with that,” said Ham.
“I suggest we send Sniff and Lucy to take a look at the animals. They may be able to tell us what actually happened to them. Send Chief with Rachel. She’s not a farmer but she knows the earth better than almost anyone I know,” said Gator.
“I would send Trevon as well. Security and a damn healthy knowledge of the land will go a long way for them.” They stopped, hearing a soft knock on the door.
“Hey guys, sorry to bother you,” said Sadie, “but our guests are tired and want to drive back tonight. I don’t think it’s safe but they’re anxious to return.”
“Bring them back, honey,” said Ham.
“So, you’re going to help them?” she smirked.
“Yeah, babe. We’re definitely going to help them.”
Ernie and Pat walked back through the door, their caps in their hands, both twisting them, wringing the dirt and sweat from them.
“We’re sorry, sirs. It’s just we don’t want to be gone too long. We’ve both got families back home,” said Ernie.
“Listen, it’s not safe for you to drive all the way back to Nebraska tonight. It’s too much.”
“Sir, all due respect, we have to,” said Pat.
“We have a better plan. Let’s have dinner, you boys get some sleep on our Osprey,” said Ham.
“I can’t leave my truck,” said Pat.
“We’ll load the truck. No need to worry about that,” said Gator. The two men stared at one another in disbelief, then looked back at the group.
“Sirs, we told you, we don’t have money,” said Ernie.
“We don’t want your money,” said Ham. “If we handle this issue for you, we want to set up a legal farming cooperative under our corporation that wouldn’t allow anyone to touch your land without our approval.”
The two men stared at them suspiciously.
“Before you take my head off,” grinned Ham. “The land would be yours. Not ours. But the corporation it would be run under, is ours. You would never need to worry about having capital to run your farms again. We’ll buy new equipment for you, seed, anything you need.
“In return, you send us a few bushels of corn every year. That’s all we ask. You can have your own attorneys review everything. What this will provide is protection for you all. Anyone who wants to get to you and your land, has to come through us.”
“How soon can that be done?” asked Pat.
“For the two of you, as quickly as you read the documents. For the others, when they are able to speak to us, understand what we’re offering, and sign on the dotted lines. If someone comes after you, they’ll have a very big surprise coming their way,” said Gator.
“Why would you do this for us?” asked Pat.
“Without you, we don’t feed our families,” said Ham.
“It’s pretty simple. Nebraska doesn’t need more subdivisions, it needs farms and farmers who care.
Let’s go get some supper. You two can talk about all of this with our attorneys and we’ll get you on the plane after that. You’ll be home before midnight.”
They looked at the group of men suspiciously then nodded.
“I swear I thought y’all were all rumors, smoke and mirrors. I can’t believe you’re the real damn thing. Do you understand how many stories we’ve heard? All the hoopla and mystery around who you guys are and whether or not you’re genuine. We just didn’t allow ourselves to believe it.”
“We’re as real as it gets and it appears that your antagonists are about to see just how real we are,” said Patrick.