“Did my father have anything to do with the missing equipment?” Maya asked.
Evelyn answered immediately.
“No. Your father was one of the people who helped expose the irregularities.”
Danielle's breath caught.
“Expose them?”
Evelyn nodded.
“My mother told me that he insisted the records be reviewed properly, even when doing so created problems for people above him.”
Maya smiled.
“That's Dad.”
Evelyn's expression softened, though sadness remained in her eyes.
“Yes. That sounds like him.”
Danielle looked toward the window.
The cabin was quiet now. Most passengers had returned to their books, screens, and conversations. The earlier confrontation seemed distant, yet the emotional tension between the two women remained.
“Why didn't you tell us this when we asked?” Danielle said.
Evelyn looked down.
“Because I was ashamed.”
Danielle blinked.
“Of what?”
“Of the way I behaved. And because seeing your daughter's face reminded me of something my mother used to say.”
“What?”
Evelyn hesitated.
“She said that when people are frightened or embarrassed, they sometimes try to regain control by making someone else feel small.”
Danielle stared at her.
“Is that what you were doing?”
Evelyn nodded slowly.
“I think so.”
Maya frowned.
“You made us feel small because you were embarrassed?”
Evelyn looked at the child.
“Yes. And that was wrong.”
Maya considered this.
Then she said, “You could've just moved your coat.”
Evelyn gave a small, rueful smile.
“Yes. I could have.”
For a moment, the three of them sat in silence.
The baby stirred, making a soft sound against Danielle's chest. Danielle gently rocked him, and his tiny hand emerged from the carrier, fingers curling and uncurling in his sleep.
Maya watched her brother.
“Mom, can we call Dad now?”
Danielle checked the cabin announcement screen.
“We're still in the air, but we can send him a message.”
She switched on her phone's messaging app and typed a short note.
We met Evelyn Whitmore on the flight. She had a photograph of you with Colonel Whitmore in her wallet. Something happened during the boarding process, but we're okay. Call when you can.
She read it once, then sent it.
A minute passed.
Then another.
Evelyn looked toward Danielle.
“Did you tell him about the incident?”
“Yes.”
“I hope he doesn't think I intended to frighten you.”
Danielle looked at her.
“He'll know what happened when I tell him.”
Evelyn nodded.
“I understand.”