“I know.”
“Invoke the documented compliance review procedure. Suspend authorization for the pending disbursement until counsel verifies whether the conditions precedent remain satisfied.”
There was a long pause.
Then Maya spoke.
“Adrian, that's a substantial action.”
“I understand. Record the factual basis, preserve the evidence, and follow the agreement. No unilateral termination.”
“Understood.”
I looked directly at Richard Halden.
Then added, “Make sure the airline's independent board committee receives the notice.”
Halden's smile faltered.
I ended the call.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then he laughed again.
But this time, the sound was strained.
“You think a little performance on the telephone is going to frighten me?”
I looked at him.
“No.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Then what exactly was that?”
I adjusted my grip on the briefcase.
“A request for a contractual review.”
He shook his head.
“You have absolutely no idea how this airline operates.”
I glanced toward the security officer still holding my arm.
Then back at Halden.
“I know more than you think.”
At that exact moment, Halden's phone vibrated.
He looked down.
His expression changed.
Then the phone rang again.
He answered impatiently.
“What?”
A woman's voice came through the speaker, loud enough that several passengers could hear the urgency.
“Richard, this is the chief financial officer. We just received an immediate drawdown hold notice from Apex Harbor Capital.”
Halden froze.
The woman continued.
“Seven hundred million dollars. The entire first disbursement authorization is suspended pending compliance review.”
His face went pale.
He looked toward me.
Then toward the phone.
“What do you mean, Apex Harbor?”
The voice became sharper.
“Richard, the funding counterparty is demanding an independent investigation. They say one of our executives may have just ordered the wrongful removal of the managing partner who controls the financing approval.”
Halden stopped breathing for a moment.
I watched him.
Then I spoke.
“My name is Adrian Cole.”
He stared.
“I'm the founder and managing partner of Apex Harbor Capital.”
The security officer on my right loosened his grip.
I continued.
“And I believe you were expecting my firm to release seven hundred million dollars to your airline this afternoon.”
For several seconds, the cabin remained completely silent.
Then Halden whispered something I would remember for the rest of my life.
“Oh, my God.”