Chapter 2
The stranger pointed toward me.
“That girl caused this?”
Marcus glanced at me before turning his attention back to him.
“No, sir. You caused this when you decided her ticket was less valid than your assumptions.”
Several passengers quietly exchanged looks.
I stayed near the galley, holding my burgundy handbag at my side.
I didn’t feel victorious.
I felt strangely sad.
Dad had taught me that money could open doors, but it could never give someone the right to judge another person’s worth.
The man grabbed his briefcase.
“Who exactly is your father?” he demanded.
I met his stare calmly.
“Daniel Carter.”
His face froze.
Marcus added quietly, “Daniel Carter owns Carter Aviation Group. This aircraft, this route, and the operating company you just threatened are all under his controlling interest.”
The man’s confidence drained away.
He turned to the attendant.
“I didn’t know.”
She answered politely.
“You were given several opportunities to verify her ticket, sir.”
Nobody laughed or celebrated.
The silence said enough.
Then my phone rang.
Dad.
I answered immediately.
“Ava, are you okay?”
I smiled.
“I’m fine, Dad.”
He paused.
“Good. Because there’s something else you need to know.”
My smile faded.
“What?”
His voice dropped.
“That man wasn’t supposed to be on your flight at all.”
I looked toward the security officers now standing by the door.
Marcus heard Dad through the phone and stiffened.
“Mr. Carter?” he asked.
Dad replied through the speaker.
“Marcus, check the briefcase before he leaves.”
The stranger’s face turned pale.
“You have no right to open that.”
One of the ground officials stepped forward.
Marcus looked at him.
“Then you should have nothing to worry about.”
The briefcase clicked open.
What they found inside made Marcus immediately call airport security.
