Richard stared.
Amara looked at Evelyn.
“I know your file too.”
Evelyn’s face tightened.
“Twenty-nine years in cabin service. Twelve at Meridian Crown. Four passenger complaints in six years.”
Evelyn whispered, “Those were investigated.”
“They were.”
“None were substantiated.”
Amara nodded.
“Because three passengers declined to pursue them after being offered service credits.”
Evelyn looked toward Richard.
He looked away.
Amara’s voice remained calm.
“I approved the audit that found that pattern last month.”
Evelyn’s knees seemed to weaken.
The younger attendant stood perfectly still near the galley.
Amara turned toward her.
“What’s your name?”
“Claire.”
“Claire what?”
“Claire Morgan.”
“How long have you worked here?”
“Seven months.”
“Did anyone tell you not to contradict a senior crew member in front of a passenger?”
Claire hesitated.
Evelyn shut her eyes.
Amara noticed.
“Claire?”
“Yes.”
“Who?”
Claire looked at Evelyn.
Then Richard.
Amara waited.
Claire’s voice shook.
“Both.”
Richard’s face tightened.
Evelyn whispered, “That’s not fair.”
Claire looked at her.
“You told me my job was to support the cabin lead even when I disagreed.”
“That’s crew coordination.”
“You said if a passenger complained, I should never confirm their version while they were still onboard.”
Richard interrupted.
“That was about de-escalation.”
Amara looked at him.
“Stop.”
He did.
Claire’s eyes were wet now.
“I’m sorry.”
Amara shook her head.
“You don’t apologize for telling the truth.”
A knock sounded against the open aircraft door.
Everyone turned.
Two people stood at the top of the stairs.
A woman in a dark coat carrying a company badge.
A man in a navy suit.
Behind them waited the ground operations manager.
The woman stepped inside.
“Ms. Bennett.”
“Good evening.”
“I’m regional HR.”
“I know.”
Her eyes flicked toward Richard and Evelyn.
“Operations briefed us.”
Amara nodded.
“Then remove Captain Cole and Ms. Shaw from duty pending investigation.”
Evelyn’s face collapsed.
“Amara—”
Amara turned.
Evelyn stopped at the use of her first name.
“Ms. Bennett.”
“Correct.”
Evelyn swallowed.
“Please.”
Amara studied her.
There was genuine fear there now.
Not remorse.
Fear.
The difference mattered.
“I have a daughter,” Evelyn whispered.
Amara’s expression did not change.
“I have a mortgage.”
Richard closed his eyes.
Evelyn continued.
“It’s Christmas Eve.”
Amara looked toward the small wreath above the galley.
Then back at her.
“Yes.”
“Please don’t do this tonight.”
Amara’s voice softened.
Not kindly.
Just quietly.
“I didn’t choose tonight.”
Evelyn started crying.
Amara continued.