Xara couldn't understand how James knew General Highsmith. Was Danny, an old friend from the orphanage, the connection?

"James," she asked, "be honest. What's your relationship with General Daniel Highsmith?"

James, munching on his food, replied, "General Daniel Highsmith? I don't know him. That guy was a childhood friend; we haven't seen each other in years. We just happened to run into each other and decided to eat together. Is he a general now?"

Xara was suspicious. General Highsmith seemed to obey James's every command.

James continued, "I don't know. It's been over ten years since I was at the Southern Plains. This Danielsorry, Danny—from what I remember, he went to the Western border. He never mentioned being a general." He put down his chopsticks and looked at Xara. "He'sa general?"

"Yes. Didn't you watch the Blithe King's succession ceremony? It's been replayed for days."

"Fuck" James exclaimed. "Really? That kid's a general? Back then, he was a nobody who looked up to me. This won't do. I have to get him back here. Oh, wait, I don't have a phone! What should I do? I've lost a golden opportunity!" His face registered regret.

Francis finally understood. Daniel, formerly Danny, was an old acquaintance of James's. Years later, Daniel was a general, and this meal was a token of their childhood friendship. However, it was clear Daniel no longer valued their past connection. Francis raised his head. "Xara," he said, "the Leland family is influential. We know General Highsmith. We've even requested his help in our business." He launched into another boastful account of his family's influence and his plant's earnings. Xara felt repulsed.

However, she acknowledged his wealth was impressive. Compared to his peers, Francis was capable, certainly more so than Xara's brother-in-law.

She glanced at James. Married into the Callahans, unemployed, and using their resources, he seemed like a useless parasite. Yet, knowing his military past and his connection to Daniel changed her opinion.

"I'm full," James said, wiping his mouth. He suddenly remembered the bill. Glancing at the still-boasting Francis, he laughed. "Since you're so wealthy, Mr. Leland, I hope you don't mind paying?" He pulled Xara away. "Xara, Thea told me to bring you home safely. Let's go."

"Okay," Xara nodded.

"James, what are you doing?" Francis protested. He'd waited for Xara and planned to impress her with his wealth at his mall.

James frowned. "What?"

Francis pointed at James's hand. "Hands off. She's my girl." James looked at Xara.

Xara looked at Francis with displeasure. "Francis, when did I ever say I was your girl?"

Francis's tone softened. "Xara, look at what I have! Once you're my girlfriend, you won't have to work. You can have anything you want. Don't you want that?"

"No," Xara replied curtly. "I can support myself."