From first class, Mason called back,
“Problem back there?”
Then Patricia’s voice followed.
“Nora, please don’t embarrass us. Whatever happened, just apologize.”
Heads turned.
I felt heat rise in my face.
But my voice stayed calm.
“I haven’t done anything.”
Patricia pulled the curtain aside herself.
She still had a champagne glass in one hand.
“You were handling the luggage. If you misplaced something, just admit it.”
Mason laughed.
“Maybe economy was too much for her.”
Then the plane stopped.
Completely.
The engines dropped to a low rumble.
Outside, runway lights burned against the winter darkness.
A moment later, the cockpit door opened.
The captain stepped into the cabin.
Behind him came the lead flight attendant and a ground security officer.
The entire plane went silent.
The captain held a tablet.
“Ms. Nora Bennett?”
I stood.
Patricia immediately started talking.
“Captain, whatever she did, I’m sure—”
