Chapter 4 - The Blake FarmThe Blake family owned eighty-six acres outside Westbridge.
Small dairy operation.
Not profitable.
But valuable.
Because a new commercial bypass had been proposed nearby.
David checked county records.
The property sold for $620,000.
Buyer:
Parker Land Holdings LLC.
Registered manager:
Richard Parker.
Mrs. Parker’s husband.
Purchase date:
Twenty-three days after Aaron left the hospital.
David called an attorney.
Elena Morales.
She specialized in civil litigation and property disputes.
Elena reviewed the records.
“Buying land from the family of a student connected to your son is not automatically illegal.”
“I know.”
“Paying them through a foundation is not automatically illegal either.”
“I know.”
“The combination is suspicious.”
“Exactly.”
Elena looked at him.
“Do not call it bribery.”
“Fine.”
“Do not accuse anyone publicly.”
“Fine.”
“Do not contact Aaron directly.”
David frowned.
“Why?”
“He’s fifteen.”
“I just want to ask—”
“No.”
David stopped.
“You’re angry because your daughter was hurt.”
“Yes.”
“That makes you exactly the wrong person to interview another frightened child.”
He hated that she was right.
Elena continued.
“Let adults with proper authority handle that part.”
David nodded.
Then she asked:
“Why did Parker Land want the farm?”
David opened county planning maps.
The answer appeared immediately.
The proposed bypass.
If approved, commercial value could triple.
Richard Parker had not merely purchased struggling farmland.
He had made a speculative investment.
Then another record appeared.
Loan financing for the purchase came from Heritage Community Bank.
Board member:
Principal Thomas Lawson’s brother-in-law.
David stared.
Elena stopped him.
“Connection is not evidence of misconduct.”
“I know.”
“You keep saying that.”
“I’m learning.”
Mia was learning too.
The cafeteria video had spread across the school.
Comments were brutal.
Some supported her.
Some accused her of “getting a teacher fired.”
Others posted old photos of Lucas.
FREE LUCAS.
JUSTICE FOR PARKER.
Mia stopped checking.
Ethan sat with her at lunch.
“You okay?”
“No.”
“Same.”
She looked at him.
“You’re not the one covered in mashed potatoes.”
“No, but apparently I’m a snitch now.”
Mia smiled weakly.
“Welcome.”
Then Ethan leaned closer.
“I knew Lucas better than you think.”
Mia frowned.
“How?”
“We played baseball together.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It didn’t matter.”
“Now?”
Ethan’s face changed.
“He talked about the Blake farm.”
Mia sat straighter.
“When?”
“Before Aaron got hurt.”
“What did he say?”
Ethan looked around.
Then:
“He said his dad was going to own it.”
Mia froze.
“How long before?”
“Maybe a month.”
May you like
The land deal may have been planned before the hazing incident.
Which meant Aaron’s injury, the foundation payment, and the farm sale might not be separate events at all.
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