He seemed surprised she did not soften it.
He swallowed.
“At the gate.”
“I made an assumption.”
“Yes.”
“And then I complained.”
“Yes.”
“I exaggerated.”
Maya stared.
“Exaggerated?”
Richard looked uncomfortable.
“I said you threatened me.”
“You know I did not.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
He looked toward his hands.
“I was embarrassed.”
“Because?”
“You proved me wrong.”
Maya waited.
He continued:
“I thought you were in the wrong line.”
“And when your ticket scanned first class, I felt stupid.”
“So you needed me to become the problem.”
Richard closed his eyes briefly.
“Yes.”
Maya appreciated the honesty.
Late.
Still useful.
He said:
“I’m sorry.”
She nodded.
“I believe you.”
Richard looked relieved.
Then Maya added:
“That does not erase what happened.”
His relief disappeared slightly.
“Understood.”
Maya opened her tablet.
Conversation finished.
Richard stayed silent the rest of boarding.
At 10:03, Flight 408 finally pushed back.
Forty-eight minutes late.
Maya looked out at the terminal.
Marcus had tried to convince her to leave.
“Take the corporate jet.”
“No.”
“Maya.”
“This is the flight I booked.”
“You now have a crew incident investigation before the acquisition announcement.”
“Yes.”
“PR is going to murder me.”
“They like you.”
“No, they tolerate me because I bring pastries.”
Maya laughed.
Elaine stayed behind in Seattle to coordinate evidence preservation.
David Lang returned to headquarters.
Marcus took a later flight.
Maya remained.
Seat 2A.
Richard beside her.
New captain.
Same aircraft.
The replacement captain introduced himself over the PA.
No mention of the incident.
Professional.
Good.
As the aircraft climbed over Puget Sound, Maya finally exhaled.
The adrenaline left quickly.
Her hands trembled.
She hid them beneath the blanket.
Then stopped.
Why hide?
She placed them openly on the armrest.
Richard noticed.
Said nothing.
Good.
Chloe approached.
“Ms. Washington?”
“Maya.”
The flight attendant hesitated.
“Can I get you anything?”
“Water.”
“Of course.”
She returned.
Set it down.
Then remained.
Maya looked up.
Chloe’s eyes were wet.
“What?”
“I’m sorry.”
“For?”
“I stood behind him.”
“You were crew.”
“That doesn't answer it.”
Maya waited.
Chloe continued:
“When he grabbed your jacket, I knew it was wrong.”
“I should have stepped in.”
“You said his name.”
“I didn't stop him.”
“Could you have?”
The question surprised her.
“I don't know.”
“Exactly.”
Maya took a sip of water.
“What would have happened if you physically intervened with the captain?”
Chloe looked down.
“I could have been disciplined.”
“Perhaps.”
Maya continued:
“Do not rewrite the situation and make yourself responsible for controlling someone who outranked you operationally.”
Chloe blinked.
“But I could have said more.”
“Yes.”