Evelyn answered instead. Because when I refused it, his attitude changed. Clare looked between them. How much did he offer?
$50. Richard sighed. Yes. Evelyn continued.
Then $100. Clare looked at Richard. Is that correct? Richard rubbed his jaw.
Yes, I offered $100. She refused. Clare nodded. Was Mrs. Brooks confused about what you were offering?
Richard frowned. What? Did she understand that you wanted her seat? Yes.
Did she understand that you were offering money? Yes. Did she clearly refuse? Richard paused.
Yes. Clare asked. What happened after she refused the $100? Richard crossed his arms.
She became difficult. Evelyn stared at him. I stayed in my seat. You refused every reasonable solution to your problem.
Clare stepped slightly between them. Mr. Hail. Mrs. Brooks was not required to exchange seats. I know.
Then refusing isn't evidence that she was confused. Richard looked away. Clare seemed to notice the sequence, too. How long after Mrs. Brooks refused your offer did you become concerned about her ability to travel?
Richard looked at her. You're twisting this. I'm establishing the order of events. You've already decided I'm wrong.
No, I've confirmed who owns the seat. Now I'm asking about the accusation you made afterward. Richard gave a short laugh. You weren't there.
A voice came from behind him. But I was. Richard stopped. Clare turned.
Marcus Reed stood several rows back in the aisle. He had not rushed forward when the argument began. He had not interrupted while Evelyn was answering for herself. Now he stepped closer.
Richard looked irritated. This doesn't concern you. Marcus remained calm. I wasn't planning to make it concern me.
Then don't. Marcus looked toward Clare. I was behind Mrs. Brooks during boarding. Richard's expression shifted.
Clare noticed. You witnessed what happened. Enough of it. Richard shook his head.
He heard part of a conversation. Marcus nodded. That's true. The answer seemed to surprise Richard.
Marcus continued. I won't claim I heard what I didn't hear, but I can tell you what I personally witnessed. Clare looked at him. What did you witness?
Richard stepped in. We don't need another passenger turning this into some kind of trial. Marcus looked at him. No one mentioned a trial.
Clare raised her hand. Mr. Hail, let him answer. Richard went quiet. Marcus glanced toward Evelyn.
When Mrs. Brooks entered the cabin, she checked the row marker and her boarding pass. Clare listened. She knew where she was going. Yes.
Richard's jaw tightened. Marcus continued. Mr. Hail asked whether she would switch seats and Mrs. Brooks declined. Yes, Clare asked.