There it was, the seat number. Evelyn's current seat. He enlarged the screen. To Richard, it felt like the one piece of the story nobody respected enough.
He looked toward Evelyn. If she saw it, perhaps she would finally understand. Maybe she would say he had not approached her without a reason. Maybe the passengers around them would hear.
Maybe Marcus would hear. Richard's goal had changed. He no longer expected to get the seat. He wanted something else now.
He wanted his reputation back. Clare began the final cabin check. Seat belts fastened, please. Richard placed his phone on his knee.
Dana's instruction was clear. Remain seated. Do not approach Evelyn. Do not restart the dispute.
Richard looked at the old reservation again, then toward Evelyn. His fingers moved to his seat belt buckle.
For several seconds, he did nothing. Then the buckle clicked open. Richard stood. The passenger across the aisle looked up immediately.
Clare was several rows ahead, checking seat belts when she noticed him. Mr. Hail, please sit down. Richard held up his phone. I need 10 seconds.
For what? To show Mrs. Brooks something. Clare stopped walking. No.
Return to your seat. Richard frowned. You haven't even seen it. I don't need to.
Dana gave you a direct instruction not to approach Mrs. Brooks or restart this dispute. I'm not restarting it. You're leaving your seat to approach her because this explains why I spoke to her in the first place. Clare walked toward him.
We already know why. The seat was previously assigned to you. Richard pointed at the screen. Then she should see it.
Mrs. Brooks doesn't need to see your old reservation. Richard looked toward Evelyn. She thinks I randomly targeted her. Clare lowered her voice.
Mr. Hail, sit down. Instead, Richard stepped into the aisle. Clare moved in front of him. Stop.
Passengers nearby turned. Richard's expression tightened. I'm not doing anything wrong. You were instructed to remain seated.
I just want to talk. And you were instructed not to approach Mrs. Brooks. Richard looked past Clare. Evelyn had heard enough to turn around.
Richard raised the phone slightly. Mrs. Brooks, look at this. Evelyn remained seated. No, you haven't seen it.
I don't need to. It shows this seat was mine. Evelyn looked at him. was.
Richard's face tightened. That's exactly the attitude I'm talking about. Clare stepped closer. Mr. Hail.
Richard ignored her. I had that seat when I booked the flight and I had it when I boarded. Evelyn replied. The airline changed mine without asking.
I didn't change it. I know that. Then why are you standing here talking to me? Richard paused.
Because you keep making it sound like I walked up and chose you for no reason. I never said that. You didn't have to. Evelyn studied him.