"That will be for the county to determine," Mrs. Harlow said. She looked at Clara the way certain women look at other women, measuring, filing, categorizing. "And you are?" "Clara Bennett.
I manage this household." Mrs. Harlow looked at her for a moment with an expression that contained a number of opinions she hadn't voiced yet. Thomas came around the side of the house then with Jacob two-steps behind him and staying there despite Thomas's body language indicating he should go back. Thomas took in the scene in the yard in one sweep.
Reese the woman, the man with the county seal, and his face did the thing it did when he was compressing something very large into something very small. Reese, he said. Thomas. Reese's professional pleasantness had stiffened slightly. I apologize for the circumstances.
This isn't This isn't what I'd have chosen. Who's idea was it? Reese looked at Mrs. Harlow. A complaint was filed.
Mrs. Harlow said. Anonymously. With the county welfare office alleging that the Callahan children have been left without adequate supervision and care following the death of their mother. Given the report, we are required by the county to conduct an assessment.
Thomas stood very still. An assessment, he said. Of the children's living situation, their physical condition, their My children, Thomas said, are fed and clothed and in good health. They attend school when school is in session. They have a managed household and a woman who He stopped.
He looked at Clara. She looked back at him. In that look in the space of two seconds, they had a conversation that contained several things that hadn't been said yet. Who filed the complaint? Thomas said.
It was anonymous. Mrs. Harlow said. Reese. Thomas turned to the banker.
Who filed the complaint? Harold Reese looked at his shoes. And in that look at his shoes, Clara understood the whole picture. The note. The east pasture.
The $60 Thomas had paid with Tom Aldridge's help. The deal Reese had expected to close on 70 acres of Callahan land closed out from under him by a woman who told a grieving man to go ask for help at the feed store. And now this. Not a welfare concern. A strategy.