Salute To The General

Chapter 6 An Apology In Person

Nathan lifted Queenie into his arms and consoled the rest of them, “Let's not get upset over it. Who knows? Derek Harvey might turn up at our house all of a sudden and offer his apology.”

His words only aggravated them and elicited a slew of angry remarks.

"What nerve you have to say such a thing!” Leah vented all her rage on him, “Don't you know that it's all because of you? If you didn't beat up Mr. Harvey and May, Samuel wouldn't have come to our house and made a big fuss about it!”

Penny could not blame Nathan since she knew that he had done so because of her.

“You must be out of your mind to say such a thing, Nathan.” She heaved a frustrated sigh, “Why in the world would Mr. Harvey apologize to us? I'll be counting my blessings if he doesn't hold us responsible for beating him up, and it'll be a miracle if he continues his business relationship with Diva.”

“Just relax, everybody,” Nathan said with an air of nonchalance. “I am sure that he will turn up tomorrow to apologize. You can take my word for it.”

Penny and the rest knew better than to take his word. It was simply against Derek Harvey's insolent nature to apologize when he had been humiliated in such a devastating manner. Pigs could fly if that came true!

Even if he found his conscience and became repentant, it was practically impossible for him to show up at their house and apologize, at least from a physical standpoint.

That was because Derek Harvey was still lying in the hospital nursing his broken leg, all thanks to Nathan.

Would it be possible for Mr. Harvey to leave the hospital on crutches and drag himself here to offer an apology? It was simply inconceivable.

Benson's lips curled in disdain at Nathan's whimsical blabbers. “This is not the time for fantastical ideas,” he quipped soberly, “Let's get down to business and think about how we can offer an apology that would please Mr. Harvey.”

“Penny, we'll go to the hospital tomorrow to visit Mr. Harvey and seek his forgiveness. Nathan, you'd better come along with us.”

With those instructions, Benson hoped that they could appease Mr. Harvey when they visited him at the hospital tomorrow. Soon, he and Leah retired for the night.

Meanwhile, Penny brought Queenie to the bathroom for her bath. Nathan took this opportunity to step outside to the balcony and called Colin Dixon, “Colin, I want you to get hold of Thomas Dunn and make sure he..."

That night, Penny struggled to get accustomed to having Nathan sleep in her room with Queenie, even though he was only sleeping on the floor.

She briefed him on some house rules before she went to bed. “I've heard of the unsightly behaviours when men sleep. I'd appreciate it if you could behave yourself and show us some basic decency.”

"Oh?" Nathan was at a loss for words. “Sure!” He replied amusedly.

rolled out a mattress onto the floor. “Mama,

the question, trying to pass it off as anger. “What silly question is that?” She chastised, “What makes you think that Mama and Papa have to

always do on television?” Queenie

you.” Penny admonished, “No TV for you for two

pouted her lips and sulked, wondering what

morning, the Smiths woke up to

they noticed the scrumptious spread Nathan had prepared, the adults exchanged glances at each other while Queenie bubbled with joy,

with cereal, eggs, milk, and fruits. Benson kept his composure as he sneaked a glimpse at Nathan. “Tuck in, everybody.” He pulled out a chair and sat down, “There's a long day ahead for us. We need to drop Queenie off at kindergarten and buy some fruits and flowers

somebody knocked at the door, “Hello, is anybody at home?” Came a polite voice from outside

be at

Let me get it,” offered Penny as

when she opened the door, “W-what are you doing here?”

matter, Penny? Who's

gasp. They put down their bowls hastily and rushed to the door. They ended up

standing at their door. He was leaning on crutches with his left leg in a

few men in suits stood behind the

faces were filled with confusion as they were still grappling with what

Cross and Ms. Smith yesterday. It has hit me with such terrible remorse that I could scarcely sleep or eat. That's why I'm here this morning

What?

at him with unbelieving eyes. As if their brains were clogged and their throats stuck with bewilderment, they

what Nathan had told them last night. His words

look at Nathan, who was sitting at the side of the table feeding Queenie from her bowl of cereal. The same question popped up in their minds - could it be him who made this

she tried to pull herself together. She turned suspiciously to Derek

Harvey jerked with fear

I'm serious,” he replied nervously, “I am here today to express

to let them help me when I was climbing up the stairs just now. It took every ounce of my strength

the Smiths feel as if an avalanche of shock waves were banging their heads. Yet it was evidently clear to them that Derek Harvey was speaking nothing but the truth, judging by the redness of his face, his sodden

could it

he wore a halo of superiority above his head, to climb six-stories

good as asking the sun to rise

muted response from Penny compounded the anxiety and fear