No, Clare said. That's why I'm asking questions instead of assuming. Clare looked at Richard. What exactly did Mrs. Brooks do that concerned you?
She was confused. You've said that. What did she actually do? Richard paused.
She had trouble with her luggage. Evelyn shook her head. My carry-on was moved so another passenger could get through. I reached for my own bag afterward.
Clare looked at Richard. Did you personally confirm it was the wrong bag? Richard hesitated. No.
Then we'll verify that separately. She looked at Richard again. Mrs. Brooks has a valid boarding pass for this seat. Unless there's a specific safety issue I can verify, she isn't required to move.
There is a safety issue. What is it? I don't think she should be traveling alone. Evelyn's eyebrows rose.
You don't know me. I don't need to know you to recognize a problem. What problem? She was confused.
Clare intervened. Mr. Hail, did Mrs. Brooks ask you for help? No. Did she tell you she didn't know her destination?
No. Did she tell you she didn't know her seat? Richard looked toward Evelyn. Not exactly.
Clare caught the change immediately. What does not exactly mean? Richard exhaled. She was looking around and checking her boarding pass.
Evelyn answered. I was finding my row. Clare nodded. That is normal during boarding.
Richard folded his arms. You had to see her. I am looking at her now. Richard stared at Clare.
Clare continued. And right now I need facts, not impressions. Evelyn looked at him. When did you become concerned about me?
Richard frowned. What? When did you decide I shouldn't be traveling alone? He did not answer.
Evelyn continued. Was it before you asked me for this seat? Clare turned toward Richard. You asked Mrs. Brooks to exchange seats.
Richard's expression tightened. That has nothing to do with this. It might, Evelyn spoke. He asked me to move several rows back.
Richard sighed. I asked if she'd switch. Evelyn replied, I said no. Richard added, I offered you another aisle seat. Evelyn answered, I chose this one.
Richard looked at Clare. I was trying to make it easy. Evelyn's voice remained calm. For you.
Clare asked what happened after that. Richard answered, Nothing. Evelyn looked at him in disbelief. Nothing?
Richard's eyes narrowed. I walked away. No, you didn't. Clare turned toward Evelyn.
What happened? Evelyn took a breath. He offered me money. Richard responded immediately.
It was an offer. That's all. Clare looked at him. You offered her money to switch seats?
Yes. How much? Richard frowned. Why does that matter?