Apparently boundaries could exist when he believed a witness might matter.
Amara filed that observation too.
Chloe returned.
“Would either of you like something before descent?”
Richard smiled.
“Coffee.”
“Of course.”
Chloe looked toward Amara.
“And you?”
“Water.”
“Absolutely.”
She began walking away.
Amara said:
“Chloe.”
The attendant stopped.
“Yes?”
“What is the cabin incident-report procedure after a passenger reports repeated unwanted physical contact?”
Chloe froze.
Richard turned.
The college student across the aisle removed one headphone again.
Chloe answered carefully:
“If a passenger wishes to file a formal complaint, customer relations can assist after landing.”
“That wasn't my question.”
Chloe’s face tightened.
Amara continued:
“Cabin reporting.”
“We document significant onboard incidents.”
“Is this incident being documented?”
Chloe looked toward Richard.
Amara noticed.
“No need to ask him.”
Chloe turned back.
“I haven't determined that there is an incident requiring formal documentation.”
Amara nodded.
“Thank you.”
The attendant looked uneasy.
Amara continued:
“Please note that I asked.”
Chloe stared.
Then:
“I will.”
“Thank you.”
She left.
Richard whispered:
“You really do enjoy this.”
Amara looked toward him.
“No.”
Her voice was quiet.
“I hate it.”
Richard looked away.
The captain announced descent.
Seat backs upright.
Tray tables stowed.
The Manhattan skyline gradually appeared beyond the window.
Richard packed his documents.
More carefully this time.
Amara watched the contract disappear into the portfolio.
He had no idea she already possessed a complete copy.
Richard fastened the briefcase.
Then adjusted his tie.
“Look.”
Amara waited.
“I don't want this flight ending on some ridiculous misunderstanding.”
“Neither do I.”
“Good.”
“So perhaps we agree that the cabin was cramped.”
“It wasn't.”
Richard exhaled.
“That there was incidental contact.”
“Some was deliberate.”
“That is your interpretation.”
“No.”
He stared.
Amara continued:
“I asked you to stop.”
“You continued.”
“I asked the crew for intervention.”
“You mocked the complaint.”
“You crossed the armrest repeatedly.”
“You leaned across my body without asking.”
“You struck my shoulder.”
Richard’s face reddened.
“You make it sound violent.”
“I’m describing actions.”
“That's what lawyers do.”
“Yes.”
“Turn normal life into allegations.”
Amara smiled faintly.
“Normal for whom?”
Richard looked away.
The plane touched down.
Reverse thrust.
Then applause from somewhere in economy.
Richard checked his phone immediately.
Messages flooded in.
Amara’s did too.
Her chief operating officer.
Apex legal.
Thomas Aldridge.
She ignored all of them.
The aircraft taxied.
Richard stood before the seatbelt sign turned off.
Chloe approached.
“Mr. Halston, please remain seated.”
He smiled.
“Force of habit.”