“She’s the federal inspector assigned to this flight.”
Morgan’s expression went blank.
For the first time since boarding, she had nothing immediate to say.
Elena bent to retrieve her belongings. The young woman in gray rose slightly from her seat.
“Here,” she said, handing Elena the notebook.
“Thank you.”
The young woman looked toward Morgan.
“I recorded what happened.”
Morgan spun toward her.
“Delete that.”
The woman recoiled.
Daniel stepped in.
“Ma’am, do not approach other passengers.”
“I’m telling her to delete it.”
“You are not to intimidate anyone on this aircraft.”
Morgan’s eyes widened.
“Are you threatening me?”
“No. I’m giving you a clear instruction.”
Elena stood, holding her notebook and credential.
“Supervisor Price, I need the incident preserved and reported through the airline’s established process. Please ensure that the crew records the sequence accurately and identifies the witnesses.”
“Understood.”
“I also want the captain informed.”
Daniel nodded.
“I’ll contact the flight deck.”
Morgan let out an incredulous laugh.
“This is absurd. You’re going to make a federal case out of a disagreement?”
Elena looked at her.
“You struck me, shoved me, and kicked my property. That is not a disagreement.”
Morgan’s cheeks darkened.
“I barely touched you.”
The man across the aisle spoke for the first time.
“You slapped her hard enough that everyone heard it.”
Morgan glared at him.
“Stay out of this.”
“I’m a witness,” he said. “I saw what happened.”
The young woman in gray nodded.
“So am I.”
Another passenger near the window raised his hand.
“I saw it too.”
Morgan looked around the cabin. The audience she had expected to be on her side had become a group of witnesses.
Her confidence began to fracture.
Daniel asked Elena whether she required medical assistance.
“My cheek hurts,” she said. “I’d like the incident documented and an opportunity to assess it once the cabin is settled.”