James glanced toward the attorney.
“We are conducting a formal investigation.”
“Good.”
“Our CEO would like to speak with you immediately.”
Alexander adjusted his carry-on strap.
“I have another meeting.”
James looked almost panicked.
“Mr. Davies is waiting on a secure line.”
“I’m sure he is.”
“Sir, our global operations are under extraordinary pressure.”
Alexander’s expression did not change.
“They were under pressure before I boarded.”
James hesitated.
“What does that mean?”
“It means your company was willing to falsify an operational reason to take a purchased seat from one passenger and give it to another.”
“That is being investigated.”
“Yes.”
Alexander stepped past him.
James followed.
“Mr. Thorne, Mr. Davies is prepared to discuss compensation.”
Alexander stopped.
He turned slowly.
“Compensation.”
“A full refund. Lifetime first-class status. Additional financial consideration.”
For the first time, Alexander smiled.
It contained no humor.
“Mr. Ballard.”
“Yes?”
“Do you know what I’m worth?”
James went pale.
“I don’t mean that as arrogance.”
Alexander continued.
“I mean literally. Do you know how absurd it sounds to offer me free airline tickets as though this happened because I couldn’t afford 2A?”
James said nothing.
“That assumption is part of the problem.”
Alexander resumed walking.
“My office will schedule a call.”
“When?”
“When I finish the meeting I crossed the Atlantic to attend.”
Behind him, James said, “The airline may not have that much time.”
Alexander stopped again.
This time his voice softened.
“Then perhaps your company should have valued time before wasting mine.”