Salute To The General

Chapter 2348



Over the following week, Derrick stuck to the plan and carried it out accordingly.

On Sunday, Nathan and Kylie were playing with Queenie in the backyard when Colin and Thomas arrived.

"Mr. Cross!" Thomas called from afar as he hastened his stride.

Nathan reciprocated the greeting with a nod. "It's been a while, Thomas.

What have you been up to?"

Thomas presented a box in response, still smiling from ear to ear. "I've been in Marsingfill for a trip, Mr. Cross. Here are some caviar and jerky, two of their best exports! I've enjoyed them during my stay and thought to share some with you."

Nathan smiled. "How kind of you."

After having Colin put the box away, Nathan turned his attention back to Thomas. "Marsingfill's biggest export isn't food or drink. I think we all know you were there for the casinos, weren't you?"

Thomas suddenly looked uncomfortable.

Only expecting to tease his subordinate, Nathan did not expect that to be the very purpose of his visit.

His brow tensed for a moment before relaxing again.

"See to it that Queenie finishes her homework," he said to Kylie.

Kylie nodded and took Queenie indoors.

Remaining in his wicker armchair, Nathan surveyed the other two. Thomas looked embarrassed while Colin narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Nathan took a sip of his hot tea and spoke again when Queenie and Kylie disappeared back into the house. "Why don't you tell me what's going on?" "Tell you what, Mr. Cross?" Thomas said timidly.

Nathan scowled. "The honest account of how much money you've lost in Marsingfill! We both know you're not here to give me canned goods, so why don't you get to the point?"

me! I must have known better than to lie to you. It is true that I have lost a lot of money in Marsingfill. If I don't find a way to repay my debt

his knees before him had been a brother-in-arms during the war, Nathan recalled how Thomas had been loyal to him over the past few years in Channing. There were times when he had

he didn't intend to lose the money. There's no use

mind, Nathan spoke in

much do

breath. "Cash alone is two hundred million. The debts that I owe amount to almost a billion. My debtors over at Marsingfill keep urging me

have developed an insatiable appetite to play with such high stakes,

“The boss of the casino told me that Alicia, the world-famous celebrity was there. The price of admission

going to ask you this once. If I take care of your

head earnestly.

of your assets to settle your debt. If you do, you may never recover from it. I'll lend you a billion, but you will use it to settle your debt instead of gambling it away. I want you to turn over a new leaf from now on, or I'll take away all

"Y-Yes, General," Thomas stammered.

will never

Penny. "Transfer a

was tactful enough

minutes, the amount

incessant exclamations of thanks, Thomas

where Thomas

said in a hushed

the vices, gambling is by far the most difficult to wean off. I have a feeling that he's going to gamble away that

words were harsh, but

However, Nathan remained stubborn.

think he will. He has always been obedient to

wrong this time, General. I bet Thomas will gamble away the entire billion you gave him.

did not respond immediately. "I choose to believe in Thomas. We'll see what

than twenty-four hours after his grim prediction, Colin reappeared at Nathan's home as he and his family were finishing their dinner. "Something's happened to Thomas,

Penny and the rest heard

ushered Colin into his study before speaking

took the billion you gave him and immediately headed for Marsingfill. After an all-nighter, he had managed to lose the entire sum you gave him to clear his

flared up at the