Free Bouquet for Iris by Diane T. Ashley Page B

advise Mr. Spencer to sell? In spite of the tragedy of losing his loved ones, there is no reason he should move back to Lookout Mountain.”
    “Of course not. That’s an outlandish idea!” Adam tugged at his waistcoat and straightened his back. “Who said anything about his going to the village?”
    “You don’t understand, Lance.” Mr. Spencer tapped his cane on the floor to get their attention. “Adam thinks I should go to the new Indian Territory.”
    “What!” Lance turned to Adam. He looked confused. “I thought you were an opponent of Indian removal. I thought you believed as I do that the Indians have a right to their land.”
    Adam shrugged and looked out the window as he tried to organize his thoughts. How could these men be so blind to the truth? It was time to face facts. President Jackson had won. It didn’t matter what they or anyone else thought. The Cherokee would never be allowed to stay in Tennessee. If he could convince his friend of that truth, then the old man would be able to see the logic in moving now—he would have his choice of homesteads in the new Indian Territory. Instead of waiting until his home and land were wrested from him by the full force of the American government, he could sell his holdings for a reasonable amount and have money when he made the move. “What I
believe
has no bearing on it. The fact is that the signing of the treaty at New Echota is a death knell to the Cherokee Nation.”
    “If that were the case, Chief Ross would be here gathering his belongings instead of staying in Washington.” Lance’s voice was calm and reasonable, but to Adam it reeked of ignorance and self-deceit. “Obviously he believes there is still a chance for the Cherokee to win.”
    “Again that word—believe.” Adam’s jaw was so tight it ached. “It sounds to me like that missionary wife of yours has turned your brain into mush.”
    Lance came out of his chair like a shot. “Be careful what you say about my wife, sir.”
    Adam also stood and sized up the shorter man in case he had to defend himself. Lance Sherer looked brawny and strong, a side effect of earning his living traipsing through the wilderness to survey property. But no matter the outcome of a bout of fisticuffs, Adam knew he had to apologize. He’d allowed his temper to get the better of him. He let his gaze drop. “I meant no disrespect.”
    The tension in the room did not ease appreciably. He could see the other man’s hands still clenched in fists.
    After a moment Mr. Spencer sighed, pulled himself out of his chair, and came to stand between them. He turned his back on Adam and addressed Lance. “As a good Christian, you will no doubt accept his apology.”
    Adam spread his hands. “I’m really sorry. This is a difficult time for all of us.”
    Lance nodded and turned back to his chair. “What do you need from me?” He directed his question to Mr. Spencer.
    The older man went to the mantel and grabbed a large wooden box from it. Adam watched as Mr. Spencer maneuvered his way to the settee and sat heavily. He opened the box, and Adam saw that it contained several official documents. “Even if you’re right and the Indians are forced to leave their homes, I am in a different situation. I hold an official warrant for this land.” He triumphantly pulled out a parchment and waved it.
    “That warrant is only a piece of paper.” Adam could not keep the mockery out of his voice. “If the people who want your land set fire to this house, what would you have?”
    “That is why I invited Lance into our conversation. It seems to me that his arrival could be considered God’s intervention. He can keep the deed safe for me.”
    Adam mulled over the idea. Letting a third party hold the warranty was a good idea. He knew that Lance kept warranties of properties he surveyed, but since he had never surveyed Mr. Spencer’s land, no one would suspect where the official deed was being held. He nodded his agreement. “But