The Golden Acres subdivision had been built by a slick, out-of-state development firm five years ago. They had constructed the massive, gaudy houses on a ridge overlooking the valley. But what the developers—and subsequently the HOA board—had failed to realize was that the ridge was completely landlocked.

"What does it say?" Evelyn snapped, stepping toward the deputy, her heels sinking deeper into the mud. "It's just a fake farmer's deed. Ignore it!"

"Ma'am..." Deputy Ramirez stammered, his eyes wide as he looked from the paper to Arthur, and then finally to the furious woman in white. "Ma'am, you don't understand. He doesn't just own this cornfield."

"What are you talking about?" she shrieked.