Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 1845

That night, Hansel organized a dinner at the White House.

Only three guests were invited, which were Clifford, Zion, and Garrett.

All the members of the National Guard waited outside the dining hall. The only person in charge of serving them was the First Lady, Camilla.

The three Cabinet members were all similarly dressed in white shirts and black pants with a jacket draped across their shoulders.

The only difference was that Garrett was younger than the other two.

Furthermore, he was in good spirits and gave off a dignified vibe.

Despite looking authoritative with his white sideburns, Clifford was visibly exhausted by recent events.

As for Zion, he wasn't in much better condition than Clifford. Besieged by obstacles lately, he looked equally defeated.

Instead, it was Hansel, the eldest among them, who looked the most spirited.

Hansel greeted with a smile, “Now that you're all here, please have a seat. Just make yourself at home and don't be a stranger.”

Everyone took a seat based on their station while Camilla served them wine personally.

Hansel raised his glass. “Come, all of you are members of the Cabinet and the pillars of our country. I would like to make a toast to thank you for your service.”

The three of them lifted their glasses and replied in unison, “Thank you, President Windsor.”

Hansel finished his drink in one gulp.

Garrett and Zion followed suit.

Lifting his head, Clifford wanted to do the same but accidentally choked on the wine and started coughing.

Hansel quickly asked, “Clifford, are you alright?”

Garrett approached in concern and patted Clifford on his back so as to help him breathe.

Once Clifford caught his breath, he smiled wryly at Hansel. “President Windsor, the wine you served is simply too strong. You have to take into account that we are old men and do not have the ability to stomach this.”

Hearing Clifford's words, everyone present couldn't help but look at Hansel.

Therefore, he must have said those words on purpose to try and tell them something.

He was asserting that they were old and it was time for them to retire!

Clifford was the first to retort, “President Windsor, you have made a mistake. I'm only sixty-nine this year and not even seventy. I still plan to work for ten more years, just like what you did.”

Zion too added, “President Windsor, I'm only seventy and far from being eighty. Therefore, I still want to stay and serve.”

Hansel scoffed in his heart when he heard their response. These two men were refusing to retire.

He continued with a smile, “And yet I thought you were the same age I was. I'm already eighty and no longer as strong as I used to be. Therefore, it's time I step down. However, after that, one of you will replace me. Among the three of you, who is the most suited?”

The three of them remained silent as they were put in a spot.

It would be shameless to declare themselves as worthy.

But, no one was going to nominate their rivals.

Hence, it was just better not to say a word.