Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 1948

Ivory Teahouse.

In a private lounge, Nathan was having tea with Franklin.

He knew that Nathan was back in Channing and wanted to have a meal with him.

Nathan rejected Franklin's offer, but instead extended an invitation to have tea with him at Ivory.

The owner, Mary Sharp, was courteous to Nathan, as she was indebted to him once.

She personally prepared their tea. Before leaving, she said in a gentle voice, “Mr. Cross, if you need anything else, just press the bell on the table. I will come along to service you.”

Nathan nodded.

He raised his teacup to Franklin and smiled. “There aren't many great teahouses here at Channing. Ivory is one of the best. Mary brews excellent tea too.”

“General, I am not a refined man,” Franklin laughed freely. “I can never tell the difference.”

“How about your cigarettes from the military? Do they taste the same as the ones sold by the side of the road?”

“Yes, almost,” Franklin nodded. “But the street ones are tasteless. Our exclusive cigarettes from the North Army taste so much better and stronger. Gets you hooked fast.”

“It all comes down to the same thing,” Nathan said while shaking his head.

Speaking of the North Army, Franklin tensed up. “General,” he approached cautiously. “About the stripping of your title, did they offer you another position? Your contributions during the battles across the North were numerous, to say the least. Why isn't your name on the prize list?”

Franklin was unaware like most people that the new Chief Military Governor was Nathan himself.

“Did you not hear? I've offended Mr. Davier, which led to my demotion. I'm lucky to have escaped with my life.” Nathan chuckled.

Franklin was furious. “Clifford Davier is too much!”

“He is the Cabinet secretary,” Nathan said deliberately. “I have no power over him.”

“No, General,” Franklin said. “You will not be disrespected by the Davier family like that. Our band of brothers won't stand by and watch while they humiliate you.” “What are you saying?” Nathan leaned forward.

“I've thought about it. I will reach out to all of our brothers in the North to petition to the Chief Military Governor to reverse the Cabinet's decision.”