Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 2073

Nighttime in the study room at the Davier residence.

Clifford peered over the newspaper through his hyperopic glasses.

Valois and Spook came before him in deference and began their update.

When Clifford learned from Spook that personnel sent by the Chief Military Governor had secretly ferried Penny into his Headquarters, he was astounded.

“What was that y'all said? The Chief Military Governor had quietly had Penny brought over to him from the Crystal Hotel?”

“That is correct, Mr. Clifford,” Spook replied.

Clifford was shocked. “What's this about? Isn't Penny Smith Nathan's wife?”

Valois chortled, “Ha ha. Can't you see, my dear brother?”

Clifford was a wily old fox who was usually extremely perceptive.

But this really has him stumped.

“Why am I not able to wrap my head around this? Explain this to me, Valois.”

Valois said with a laugh. “Haven't we found out that the Chief Military Governor treats Nathan exceptionally well?”

Clifford reflexively nodded. “Indeed!”

“When he was in command of the North Army's campaign against Xyperia's forces, he summoned

Nathan to the front lines to provide support. He also went out of his way to play peacemaker for him just now”

“Don't underestimate this woman, Clifford,” Valois said. “She's chairman of the Cross Group and currently the wealthiest woman in Eurasia. Not only is she a capable businesswoman, she was amongst the top ten role models in the labor movement, and lauded as the goddess of the corporate world. Who knows how many unfortunate scions have fallen afoul of Nathan because of her out-worldly beauty.”

Clifford got the gist of what Valois was suggesting.

His eyes widened in astonishment. “You mean to say that Nathan pimped his own wife to the Chief Military Governor, and the Governor got her into the Headquarters in the middle of night because he clamored for her. So he's looking out for Nathan because he was trying to make up for it?"

Valois nodded. “That has to be it. Why would he take her in and treat Nathan so well otherwise?”

Clifford was a man who had seen and experienced much. He sat through his brother's hypothesis and found it to be a little outlandish.

He reacted with skepticism. “It feels a little absurd that a man like Nathan would bear to let his own wife serve other men.”

Valois laughed. “Why would that be, considering how the kings of yore have done far worse?”