"Is he a passenger on today's approved flight?"
"No."
She studied him.
"Then why does his company appear in communications connected to this aircraft?"
The pilot's expression tightened.
"I don't know what you're referring to."
Naomi raised her phone slightly.
"Our flight operations director has identified an overlapping itinerary to Palm Beach."
Richard looked away.
She continued.
"That movement was entered under your credentials."
He cleared his throat.
"Schedules change."
"Of course."
"Sometimes at the last minute."
"Yes."
Naomi paused.
"But the owner-approved itinerary hasn't changed."
Richard's face reddened.
He looked toward Olivia.
"Could you give us some privacy?"
The attendant hesitated.
Naomi turned toward her.
"Olivia, you're welcome to remain if you're comfortable. We may need an accurate account of what occurred."
Richard stared.
For a moment, his face revealed unmistakable anger.
Then he looked back at Naomi.
"You're undermining the captain in front of the crew."
She remained calm.
"Captain Vance, we're on the ground. I'm asking about the authorization for an aircraft movement."
He clenched his jaw.
"I am responsible for this airplane."
"You're responsible for its safe operation while acting as its pilot in command."
He straightened.
"Exactly."
She looked directly at him.
"That doesn't make you its owner."
The words landed heavily.
Richard opened his mouth.
Then closed it.
Naomi continued.
"I respect the authority of a properly assigned captain regarding flight safety. If an aircraft isn't safe to operate, I expect the captain to refuse the flight, regardless of who owns it."
She paused.
"But you don't get to invent a passenger manifest, alter the business purpose of a flight, or offer my aircraft to someone else."
Richard's eyes narrowed.
"Nobody offered your aircraft to anyone."
Naomi looked toward him.
"Then tell me why Charles Whitmore is waiting for a flight to Palm Beach."
He froze.
For a moment, the only sound was the quiet hum of the cabin ventilation.
Then he said, "I don't know that he is."
Naomi's phone vibrated.
Another message from Julian.
Whitmore Private Services has confirmed that four guests were instructed to arrive at Teterboro for a private flight. Operations is obtaining the supporting communications.
Naomi read it.
Then looked toward Richard.