"Mr. Mercer would prefer this conversation didn't involve lawyers."
"I'm sure he would," she said. "But this property is involved in active legal proceedings, and I am not permitted to discuss settlement terms outside the presence of my counsel."
She was not entirely sure that was legally accurate; she was completely sure that Cutter wasn't, either.
He shifted in his saddle. The four men behind him were positioned the way men position themselves when they want you to notice them, which she had also noticed.
"Mrs. Lawson," Cutter said, and his voice dropped and went slightly rough in a way that was almost an apology. "I'm asking you as a reasonable person. Mercer's offer is $500, clear deed to the land, no further claims. You walk away with cash and free title. That's a better deal than most people get out of him."
"The land is already mine," she said. "The title is already clear. And your employer knows that, or he wouldn't be willing to pay $500 to make me go away."
Cutter said nothing.
"Tell Mr. Mercer," she said, "that I'll see him in court."
She closed the door. She stood on the inside of it for a moment and breathed.
Nathan said from behind her, "$500."
"He's afraid," she said. "A man doesn't offer cash when he thinks he's going to win in court."