Flight 217: Part 2

“And today you almost cost us the future of this airline,” Vance said harshly. “Step off the plane, Dana. Now.”

The cabin remained dead silent as the two officers stepped forward. Dana, her eyes fixed on the floor, walked down the aisle, her shoes clicking loudly against the floorboards until she disappeared down the jetbridge.

The gate supervisor quickly gathered his papers, bowed his head toward Celeste, and backed out of the cabin as well.

Vance took a deep breath, turning back to Eliza with a deeply humbled expression.

“Miss Monroe,” Vance said softly. “On behalf of Crown Atlantic Airlines, I offer you our deepest and most sincere apologies. If there is anything—anything at all—you need on this flight to Geneva, the lead purser will take care of it personally.”

Eliza looked at the CEO, then looked at her tray table where her boarding pass still lay.

“I just want to fly to Geneva,” she said simply.

“Of course,” Vance said. He turned to Celeste. “Mrs. Monroe… the lounge?”

Celeste reached down and adjusted the silver clasp on Eliza’s navy cardigan, exactly as she had done that morning.

“Remember what I told you?” Celeste whispered with a proud smile.

“Let the truth do the talking,” Eliza replied softly.

Celeste kissed the top of her head, stood up, and looked at Vance.

“Lead the way, Arthur. Let’s go sign your papers.”