They mocked the woman in seat 22C—until two fighter jets aligned with her window, and a pilot spoke her name in a way that made the entire plane forget how to breathe.

reached the door. “Captain Mercer,” she said. “I’m Elena Brooks. We’re honored you came.”

Olivia nodded.

“I almost didn’t.”

Elena smiled faintly. “I was informed.”

That got the smallest real smile out of Olivia yet.

Then Daniel stepped close enough for only her to hear the first thing he said.

“You took the commercial flight.”

“I did.”

“You were escorted by continue reading …