Flight 217: Part 2
“It isn’t a failure of protocol, Mr. Vance,” Celeste said, looking directly at Dana. “The gate agent followed protocol. The system followed protocol. This was a personal judgment made by your crew member based entirely on bias.”
The businessman across the aisle leaned over. “She’s right,” he spoke up clearly. “The girl sat here quietly the whole time. The flight attendant announced over the intercom that she had a fraudulent ticket before even verifying her ID.”
A murmur rippled through the First Class cabin. Several passengers kept their phones raised, recording every second.
Dana’s throat worked silently. “I… I was only thinking of cabin security…”
“You used the intercom to publicly humiliate a child,” Celeste said smoothly. She turned her attention to Vance. “Arthur, our closing call for the $1.2 billion recapitalization bridge was scheduled for 3:00 PM today. My legal team is currently holding the line.”
Vance looked as though he might faint. “Mrs. Monroe, please. Let us move this to the private lounge. We can address this immediately, ensure your daughter has everything she needs—”
“My daughter is staying on this flight,” Celeste said firmly. “She earned her seat at the academy in Geneva, and she is going to take it.”
Celeste looked down at Eliza. “Eliza, do you want to stay on this aircraft?”
Eliza looked up at her mother, then at Dana, whose face was now completely pale.
“I want to go to Geneva,” Eliza said quietly. “My violin is already packed.”
“Then you will,” Celeste replied.
She turned back to Vance. “Here are my terms for me walking into that conference room at 3:00 PM to sign your financing agreement: First, Ms. Hensley will be removed from this flight immediately and placed on administrative leave pending a formal investigation. Second, Crown Atlantic will issue a public apology for the announcement made over this intercom. And third, you will personally escort my daughter’s flight crew to ensure she receives the respect every passenger on this airline pays for.”
Vance didn’t hesitate for a single second.
He turned to the airport police officers standing by the door. “Gentlemen, please escort Ms. Hensley off the aircraft and back to the crew operations office.”
Dana looked at Vance in disbelief. “Mr. Vance—I’ve been with Crown Atlantic for nine years—”
