Daniel said:
“No.”
Arthur turned.
“We have local logs.”
Daniel stepped closer.
“Local logs are not the governing aircraft records.”
Arthur’s voice rose.
“You don’t understand what we’ve been dealing with.”
Daniel stared.
“I’ve maintained aircraft longer than you’ve managed lounges.”
Camille cut in.
“Enough.”
Both stopped.
She turned to Everett.
“Close the event access to Hangar Two.”
He did not move.
Camille said:
“Now.”
His body obeyed before his pride caught up.
He moved toward the door.
Arthur stepped closer.
“Ms. Vaughn, grounding the fleet tonight will create chaos.”
“Yes.”
“We have owners here.”
“Members.”
“They call themselves owners.”
“That does not change title.”
“There are contracts.”
“I wrote half the covenants.”
Arthur swallowed.
Camille continued.
“If you want fewer problems tonight, start telling the truth.”
He looked around.
Not here.
Camille understood.
“Daniel.”
“Yes?”
“Secure aircraft four.”
“No one touches panel.”
“Photograph everything.”
“Call manufacturer technical liaison using independent line.”
“Already did.”
“Good.”
She looked toward Arthur.
“Office.”
They walked away from watching guests.
Everett followed.
Camille turned.
“No.”
He stopped.
“You stay here.”
“Keep everybody away from aircraft.”
“No departures.”
“No boarding.”
“No maintenance except preservation.”
“If anyone calls owner, member, press, or attorney, they may.”
“Do not obstruct.”
Everett nodded.
Now very polite.
Camille hated how quickly it came.
Inside Arthur’s office, the luxury illusion disappeared.
Gray cabinets.
Maintenance schedules.
Computer monitors.
Coffee cups.
Camille remained standing.
Arthur shut door.
Daniel stood beside her.
Arthur moved behind desk.
Camille said:
“Don’t.”
He froze.
“Sit where I can see you.”
He sat in guest chair.
Camille remained standing.
“Start with yesterday.”
Arthur rubbed palms.
“Daniel raised a concern about serial plates.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That we would reconcile records after event.”
Daniel stared.
Camille asked:
“Why after?”
“We had six member flights and seventy guests tonight.”
“That explains timing preference.”
“Not the mismatch.”
Arthur looked toward Daniel.
Then Camille.
“The fleet has had availability problems.”
“What kind?”
“Parts.”
“Maintenance windows.”