Then immediately back at Caroline.
He was smart enough not to let that glance linger.
Simone still noticed.
She noticed everything.
Caroline said:
“I did not receive updated manifest.”
David frowned.
“You received transfer notice.”
“The passenger list was old.”
“Then you escalate.”
“I tried.”
“When?”
Caroline looked toward Simone.
Eight minutes suddenly felt longer.
David’s face changed.
Melissa said nothing.
She was watching Claire.
Claire had gone pale.
Simone followed her gaze.
“Claire.”
The younger attendant looked up.
“Yes?”
“Were you given different instructions?”
Caroline turned.
“Simone—”
Simone raised one hand.
Not to silence as owner.
To prevent interruption.
“Let her answer.”
Claire looked at Caroline.
Then Graham.
Then Simone.
“No.”
“Did you think I should have been allowed aboard?”
Claire swallowed.
“I wasn’t sure.”
“That’s fine.”
“Why weren’t you sure?”
Claire looked toward the paperwork.
“Because you knew aircraft details.”
Simone nodded.
“What did you think that meant?”
“That maybe you were with the new owner.”
“Not owner?”
Claire’s face reddened.
“I didn’t know.”
“Good.”
Simone’s tone softened slightly.
“What did you want to do?”
Claire hesitated.
“Call the captain.”
Caroline’s jaw tightened.
Simone asked:
“Did you say that?”
Claire looked down.
“No.”
“Why?”
Claire did not answer.
Caroline said:
“She is junior crew.”
Simone turned toward her.
“That was not my question.”
Caroline’s voice sharpened.
“You are making this into something it isn’t.”
Simone stared.
“Then tell me what it is.”
“It was a security issue.”
“Good.”
“Let’s test that.”
She turned to David.
“What is standard security response when a person presents inconsistent but potentially legitimate aircraft documentation?”
David answered immediately.
“Hold access, verify through ops, captain, management, or owner representative.”
“Physical removal?”
“Only if safety threat or refusal to remain in designated area.”
“Did I refuse?”
“No.”
“Was I threatening?”
“No.”
“Did I attempt to force boarding?”
“No.”
Simone looked at Caroline.
“So far, this was verification failure.”
Caroline said:
“Exactly.”
“No.”
Simone’s voice remained quiet.
“That would have been enough to concern me.”
“But we’re not finished.”