Fly by Night (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 3) by Laurinda Wallace Page B

pushed the disappointed dog away.
    Haley merely switched humans, locking her sights onto Jim.
    “This Richter could end up being investigated, so I’d let Toby know that,” Gracie continued. “He and D. B. had a couple of pretty heated arguments. Of course, D. B. started the first one.”
    “How did he do that?” Jim asked, slyly slipping a piece of muffin to the waiting Haley.
    “Kim told me that D. B., apparently being in jerk mode, ‘accidently’ dumped a load of manure on the Richters’ front yard.”
    Jim shook his head. “Sounds like D. B. Was this before or after the lawsuit?”
    “It was the day D. B. was served with the lawsuit papers. Richter was up to the farm in a flash, yelling and carrying on. He even took a couple of swings at D. B. Threatened to ruin him and take him out.”
    “D. B. did love a good fight.” Jim brushed the crumbs off his hands, showing Haley that there were no more sneaky treats to be had. “Sounds like Mr. Richter has a bad temper too.”
    “It does look that way,” Gracie agreed, finishing her coffee. “Kim also said that Dean and D. B. were pretty sure someone tampered with the temperature on the bulk tanks. They had to dump a lot of milk because of it. D. B. naturally went ballistic, which isn’t surprising. I would have too. But he and Richter got into a shouting match outside of Midge’s. Dean had to break it up before they went at it.”
    She got up to put the dishes in the dishwasher. Jim stood, looking out of the kitchen window toward the kennel. His brow was furrowed.
    “D. B. wasn’t an easy guy. In fact, he could be a downright … well, you know. Michael and I had a few disagreements with him,” he added thoughtfully.
    “I know what you mean,” Gracie replied. She began wiping down the counter. “Michael was pretty upset about that equipment sale. D. B. really did pull the rug out from under us.”
    “Exactly. We needed that front loader and had worked out the deal with him. When we went up to get it, he’d taken it to one of the other farms. Told us it was no longer for sale.” Jim scowled, remembering the incident. “I think if the cops start digging, they’ll find quite a few people who may have had it with D. B.’s antics.”
    Gracie glanced at her watch. “I’d better check on a couple of dogs before I go see Kim. We’ve got two who need meds right now.”
    “Good. I’ll make sure Tracey is doing okay.”
     
    *****
     
    Kim and Gracie finished looking over the settlement papers from Renew Earth. Kim’s attorney recommended that she accept the settlement and fast. He didn’t want it withdrawn from the negotiating table. Gracie’s head was swimming with “whereofs,” “heretofores,” and “forthwiths.”
    “I don’t feel right about accepting this. There’s something hidden in all of this legalese if you ask me.” Kim stood next to Gracie at the kitchen counter, staring at the blank signature line. “Dean and the kids want me to sign it too. What do you think I should do?”
    Gracie had no intention of supplying an answer. There was no way she wanted to be responsible for Kim signing or not signing the document. She drummed her fingers on the counter, stalling for time.
    “I really can’t tell you what to do, Kim. I have the same concerns as you do. I’m not a lawyer though. Is there a time limit on the offer?”
    “I don’t think so, but Nolan wants me to sign it soon. By the end of the week, he said, and that’s tomorrow.” Kim twisted the rings on her left hand nervously. Her face showed the strain of the mounting pile of decisions along with the earlier police visit. “I just don’t know what to do,” she half-sobbed.
    Gracie’s stomach went cold, remembering she’d said the exact same thing when she and Jim had discussed selling the farm.
    “What if it’s the wrong thing, and somehow the farm is harmed by my signing it? I can’t make a mistake on this.”
    “I’d stall for more time, if you’re really not