The building directly across from the Greenville terminal was a hotel in name only. Caleb, Zeke, and Hester joined the other customers who arrived on the midnight bus. As they waited for a room, Caleb inspected the lobby and decided he would not stable his horse in such a place. Even so, they paid an outrageous sum for two adjoining rooms, then more for dinner to be brought upstairs. They showered while they waited, ate in weary silence, and turned in. He and Zeke both chose to unfurl their bedrolls and sleep on the floor.
Because Marsh was counted among the Catawba elders, Caleb was well versed in regional politics. He knew both Raleigh and Nashville were allied to the vastly more powerful Charlotte. In the same manner, Greenville had thrived by paying tribute to Atlanta. Recently Atlanta had become threatened by Charlotte’s increasing interest in the region. Six months back, Greenville officially requested to be joined to its southern neighbor. Rumors abounded over whether they were pushed or made the leap voluntarily.
Atlanta and Charlotte Townships had vied for power ever since the Great Crash. Now they were at each other’s throats. The Catawba enclave’s elders had repeatedly been warned that it was only a matter of time before the two townships entered an all-out war.
Greenville Township still earned a hefty but precarious income, playing buffer. No bus traveled directly between the two regional fiefdoms. Anyone journeying south changed vehicles in Greenville.
The next morning Caleb, Zeke, and Hester joined other early risers in the hotel diner. After a hasty breakfast, they left the hotel just as the central market was beginning to wake up. They crossed the dusty square beneath a warm summer sun and entered the city’s old town.
Greenville had adapted better than many midsized townships, refusing to let the ruined city structures gradually waste away. Instead, they had been torn down and turned into parks and market squares. Caleb and the others crossed two such open spaces before entering a street filled with wealth and elegance. Armed guards were posted at every intersection. Parked along its pristine length were a number of private vehicles. Caleb and Zeke slowed to admire a few, until Hester reminded them that the bus would not wait.
Caleb and Hester entered a stylish men’s shop, while Zeke lounged at the front entrance. The sight of all the fancy clothes on display left Caleb not only subdued but questioning his plans. He was on the verge of turning away when a lovely saleswoman walked over, swept a disdainful gaze over his dusty frame, and said, “Can I help you?”
“My guard and I need two sets of clothes,” Caleb replied.
“You mean ensembles.” Then she realized what he had just said. “Your guard.”
“Right. And there’s a servant at the front entrance. He’ll need shirts and trousers.”
She dredged up a far more brilliant smile. “Forgive me, sir, but just to be certain, you can actually pay?”
“In silver,” Caleb said.
“In that case, you and your associates are most welcome, I’m sure.”
Caleb settled on two pairs of trousers, two open-necked shirts, a jacket, and tooled black boots with a matching belt. He waited while Zeke and Hester were fitted, and frowned his friend to silence when Zeke started to complain over the cost. Caleb paid what was required, and then paid extra for speed. The amount was so staggering he found it hard to maintain his calm mask.
As they were about to enter the palatial bathhouse next door, Caleb was struck by an idea so outrageous he laughed out loud.
Hester demanded, “Something the matter?”
“I need to go back.”
Zeke showed real horror. “You’re going to spend more money?”
“Absolutely. Stay here, I won’t be long.” Caleb turned away before his friend could argue further.
When he reentered the shop, the saleswoman appeared with lightning speed. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Caleb could hardly believe it was he who asked, “Can I hire a private car and driver to take us to Atlanta?”