She stepped closer to Elena’s row.
“Do you have something to say?”
Elena looked up.
“No.”
“Then why are you watching me?”
“I’m observing the cabin.”
Morgan leaned forward.
“You’re observing me?”
“I’m observing the operation.”
Morgan’s face tightened.
“Listen to me. I don’t know who you think you are, but I’m not interested in being scrutinized by someone who clearly doesn’t understand how this cabin works.”
Elena’s voice remained level.
“I’m not scrutinizing you personally.”
“You just said you were observing the cabin.”
“Yes.”
“And I’m in it.”
Elena considered her for a moment.
“That’s correct.”
Morgan’s expression shifted from irritation to open hostility.
“People like you always think you can speak to anyone however you want.”
Elena closed the notebook.
“I’ve spoken to you respectfully.”
“Don’t lecture me.”
“I’m not.”
Morgan glanced toward the other passengers, apparently expecting support. Most avoided her gaze. A man across the aisle lowered his newspaper. The young woman in the gray sweater watched with visible concern.
Morgan took another step.
“Move your bag.”
Elena glanced toward her own handbag, which was tucked securely beneath the seat.
“It’s already under the seat.”
“Move it farther in. You’re taking up space.”
“There’s room in the aisle.”
“Do it.”
Elena remained seated.
“I’ll move it if the crew asks me to.”
Morgan’s face flushed.
“Excuse me?”
“I said I’ll follow the crew’s instructions.”
Morgan’s mouth tightened into a thin smile.
“You’re going to regret that.”
Elena looked directly at her.
“Please step back and let the crew do their job.”
For a brief moment, Morgan seemed surprised. She was accustomed to people yielding when she spoke with sufficient force. Elena’s calm refusal disrupted the familiar pattern.
Then Morgan struck her.