All the blood drained from Harold's face, yet he did not dare show his dissatisfaction. He could only nod his head meekly in acquiescence.
Nathan and Penny had just left when the vice-captain received a call from the chief of police. "Lee, prepare a handover for your job. There's a vacancy at Buffalo Hill and you're being transferred there tomorrow."
Harold felt like he could weep. Buffalo Hill was deep in the countryside, with dense forests and nobody around for miles. His only companions there would be bugs and snakes. He was being exiled!
As the Cross couple drove home, a squad of patrol cars escorted them.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Penny stared at her husband as her mouth opened to speak. She seemed to change her mind, however, as she then snapped it shut.
Not sure whether to laugh or cry, Nathan said, "I can tell that you're dying to ask me something. Go on."
His wife chewed on her lip for a moment longer before blurting out, "Nathan, what was up with Harold and the others? Why did they have such a sudden change in attitude?”
The man blinked his eyes slowly as he replied, "Would you believe me if I told you that I'd only made a call to my old boss and he'd handled all this for me?"
Suspicious of his identity, she snorted delicately, "This old boss of yours is always helping you no matter what problems you run into. It's a little odd how well he treats you, don't you think?"
Eyeing her, he pondered for several seconds before saying, "Fine, I'll stop pretending. I don't actually have an old boss; I'm actually the general of..."
Before he could finish explaining his true identity, she was already rolling her eyes. Her tone was grumpy as she interrupted him, "Stop boasting and tell me the truth."
A bitter smile crossed his lips. Left with no other choice, he corrected himself, "Alright then. I used to be part of the National Guard that was in charge of my old boss' safety. We're rather close so he'd always look out for me, especially when I'm in trouble."
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