And notes requesting preparation for a group of private executive guests.
None of those details belonged to Naomi's Columbus flight.
He checked the payment information.
A third-party concierge firm appeared in one supporting communication.
Whitmore Private Services.
Julian knew the name.
It had appeared in the preliminary audit.
He stood.
Then called Naomi.
She answered immediately.
"Julian?"
"Ms. Ellis, we have a discrepancy."
Her voice sharpened.
"What kind?"
"An overlapping flight movement to Palm Beach. The authorization doesn't match your approved itinerary."
A long silence followed.
Then Naomi asked, "Is anyone scheduled to board?"
Julian looked toward the documents.
"I'm still confirming that."
She took a slow breath.
"Then hold the aircraft on the ground."
"Already in progress."
"And please tell me we have a qualified replacement captain."
"Captain Elena Torres is being contacted. We won't proceed until an appropriate crew is available and the aircraft is cleared through the normal process."
Naomi nodded.
"Good."
Julian hesitated.
Then said, "Ms. Ellis?"
"Yes?"
"I think this may be connected to the irregular flight movements we've been reviewing."
Naomi closed her eyes.
For one moment, she thought of Richard standing before her.
The arrogance.
The contempt.
The sudden fear when she mentioned dispatch authorization.
Then she opened her eyes.
"Julian."
"Yes?"
"Get compliance involved immediately."
"Understood."
"And preserve everything."
He nodded.
"Already doing it."
Naomi ended the call.
Then turned toward the pilot.
Richard stood near the cockpit entrance, trying to appear composed.
But his expression had changed.
He looked like a man who knew a door had just opened onto something he had hoped would remain hidden.
Naomi studied him for a long moment.
Then asked quietly, "Captain Vance, who is Charles Whitmore?"
The pilot went completely still.
And his answer would determine whether he was merely an arrogant employee who had behaved disgracefullyโor someone who had betrayed the trust placed in him as the captain of her aircraft.
Richard Vance looked toward the cockpit.
Then back at Naomi.
"Charles Whitmore?"
"Yes."
The pilot swallowed.
"He's a business acquaintance."
Naomi nodded.
"Of yours?"
"Yes."
"Does he work for Ellis Horizon Group?"
Richard hesitated.
"Not directly."