"Can I get my boarding pass?" Robert asked as he stood, his legs trembling slightly. "It has my confirmation number."

Jessica held up the torn pieces of his premium ticket and let them flutter to the floor like snow.

A woman in 3A gasped. "That's just cruel." Jessica snapped her head toward the woman. "Want to join him? I can arrange that." The passenger fell dead silent.

Sarah Carter stepped out from the galley, her hands shaking. "That's not what happened. I saw everything. She hit him first."

Jessica's smug smile vanished. "Sarah, go check the rear cabin. Now." "I'm not lying for you anymore," Sarah countered. Derek moved to block Sarah's path. "Sarah, unless you want a formal write-up and a suspension, follow your superior's orders."

Robert was escorted down the aisle, flanked by the officers. He kept his head held high, his briefcase clutched to his chest. Passengers whispered apologies as he passed. When he reached row one, he passed Marcus. Their eyes met again. Marcus's face was made of stone, but he gave the absolute slightest shake of his head.

Not yet, Dad.

Robert understood. He kept walking.

At the forward door, Captain Reynolds emerged just as Robert was escorted off. He saw the blood on the elderly man's collar and the shattered glasses in his hand.

"Derek, what is going on?" Reynolds demanded. "Handled, Captain," Derek replied dismissively. "Aggressive passenger removed per protocol."

Reynolds looked past Derek, saw Jessica fixing her uniform, and noted the stunned passengers. Then he glanced into first class and saw Marcus Hayes. The captain's face drained of color.

"Mr. Hayes," Reynolds choked out, his voice tight. "I didn't realize you were on this flight."

The heavy cabin doors sealed shut. Inside, Jessica exhaled a dramatic sigh and smiled. Another problem solved. Derek patted her shoulder. "Nice work. Grab a coffee."