That was impossible.
Unless it wasn't.
I leaned back.
The seat dispute had just become an internal investigation.
And someone had tried to move my seat before I even boarded.
The Hidden Change
Grant Holloway had worked for the airline for eleven years.
His reputation was polished.
Efficient.
Aggressive.
Results-driven.
He had also been one of the strongest voices opposing the acquisition.
I had never met him personally.
Not yet.
But I had read his personnel file.
His performance numbers were excellent.
His complaint resolution rate was unusually high.
Too high.
That was one of the reasons I had ordered the anonymous inspection.
Numbers could lie.
People could manipulate reports.
Systems could be designed to hide uncomfortable truths.
But passengers remembered.
I called the corporate investigator assigned to the acquisition.
Her name was Denise Harper.
“Denise.”
“Yes?”
“I need a complete audit.”
“Of what?”
“Seat assignment changes on this flight.”
There was silence.
“Why?”
“Because someone changed my reservation yesterday.”
Another pause.
“Your reservation?”
“Yes.”
“Are you certain?”
“I am sitting in 1A.”
Denise understood.
“I'll start immediately.”
“And Denise?”
“Yes?”
“Don't alert Grant.”
“I won't.”
I ended the call.
Evelyn was still watching me.
Finally, she spoke.
“Who are you?”
I looked at her.
“A passenger.”
She scoffed.
“You're not.”
“I have a ticket.”
“That doesn't answer my question.”
“No.”
She looked frustrated.
Then she leaned closer.
“I know people at this airline.”
“I believe you.”
“You have no idea who you're dealing with.”
I smiled slightly.
“Neither do you.”
She stared at me.
Then Sarah approached.
“Mr. Carter?”
“Yes?”
“Can I speak with you?”
We stepped toward the galley.
She looked shaken.
“I need to tell you something.”
“What?”
“Grant Holloway contacted me yesterday.”
My expression changed.
“What did he say?”
“He asked me to make sure Ms. Harrington received special treatment.”
“Why?”
“He said she was important.”
“Important how?”
“I didn't ask.”
“Did he mention my name?”
Sarah shook her head.
“No.”
“Did he tell you someone else was supposed to sit in 1A?”
“No.”
I studied her.
“Then why did you react the way you did?”