Part 12 (1/2)

he'd been paid for the farm and how he planned to divide

the sum up between all of his father's descendants.

”That seems very fair of you, Mr. Westerly.” She closed

her notebook. ”Now, are you sure you don't mind me

printing up this information-things like the selling price

and all that?”

He shook his head. ”I don't have any secrets. Nothing to

hide.”

She sighed. Unfortunately, not everyone in this transac-

tion had been so honest. ”Thank you for your time, Mr.

Westerly.”

He waved his hand in dismissal. ”It's been a real pleasure.

I should be thanking you. But honestly, I don't see how this

makes for much of a story. Don't know why anyone'd care

about me selling my farm.”

She looked into his faded eyes. The color reminded her of

the sky today-pale shades of gray. ”Mr. Westerly,” she

began slowly, glancing to see that the recorder was still run-

ning. ”I want to be completely honest with you, okay?”

”Of course. I'd expect you to be. Is something wrong?”

”I'm not sure. But I've heard, and maybe this is just a

rumor-I plan to check everything out completely before I

write my story-but Greg Snider's wife told me that Greg

and Rick were purchasing your property together... as part-

ners.” She wanted to add ”in crime,” but controlled herself.

Looking for You All My Life25