An oversized envelope contained assorted papers that may or may not be relevant to the day’s quest. He wanted to be prepared for any question.Inside the bank, Willem surveyed the lobby. A half-dozen people stood in lines to see the three tellers on duty, and around the perimeter of the room were several imposing desks occupied by men with stern faces and airs of authority. Willem had an appointment with one of them, the chief loan officer. He caught the man’s eye and smiled as he crossed the lobby.“Hello, Mr. Peters. Thank you for coming in this morning. I trust things are well on your farm.”“Well enough, considering the challenges all the farms have faced this year.” Willem was determined not to sound pitiful. It would only impede progress toward his goal. “I have been a conscientious steward of my resources.”The banker gestured to a chair opposite the desk. “What can I do for you today?”Willem sat up straight with his papers in his lap. “You may be aware that several properties near mine have become available.”“I have heard this, though I am not familiar with the particulars.”
