"When you increased it to 100, did you believe she understood that offer?" "Yes." "And when she refused again, did you understand her answer?" Richard stared at Clare.
Yes. Clare paused. So during the negotiation, you believed Mrs. Brooks understood her seat, your request, the alternative seat, the money, and her own decision. Richard's expression hardened.
That doesn't mean I couldn't notice something afterward. No. So tell me what happened afterward that created a genuine safety concern. Richard looked toward Evelyn.
She became difficult. Evelyn's face changed. Difficult? You wouldn't compromise on the seat I paid for.
Richard shook his head. You keep making it sound worse than it was. Evelyn's voice stayed calm. I keep describing what happened.
Clare raised one hand. Mr. Hail refusing a voluntary seat exchange isn't a safety concern. I know that. Then what happened next?
Richard hesitated. Marcus answered only after Clare looked toward him. After Mrs. Brooks refused the $100, Mr. Hail told her she was making things difficult. Richard immediately responded.
That's hardly a crime. No one said it was, Marcus replied. Clare asked. What else?
Marcus glanced at Evelyn before answering. He made a comment about her age. Richard's eyes narrowed. I didn't insult her.
Marcus looked at him. I didn't say you did. Clare turned to Evelyn. What was said?
Evelyn took a breath. He told me that at my age, I should know when to make things easier for other people. Richard shook his head. That isn't exactly how I said it.
Evelyn looked at him. But you mentioned my age. Richard hesitated. I may have.
And after that, Evelyn continued. You told me you could find someone who would make me move. Richard immediately objected. I said I would get the crew to settle it.
Marcus spoke. You said you'd find someone who could make her move. Richard turned sharply. You don't know what I meant.
No, Marcus said. I know what I heard. Clare stepped between their lines of sight. Mr. Hail, did you approach the crew after Mrs. Brooks refused the money?
Yes, and that was when you began raising concerns about her being confused. Richard paused. I was concerned before. Marcus' brow tightened.
Clare noticed. You disagree? Marcus chose his words carefully. I can't tell you what Mr. Hail was thinking.
Richard gave a quick nod as though Marcus had finally conceded something. Then Marcus continued, "But I can tell you what he was saying." The nod disappeared. Clare waited. Marcus said, "Before Mrs. Brooks refused the seat exchange, he wasn't talking about her being confused.
He was trying to persuade her to move." Richard folded his arms. "That doesn't prove what I thought." "No," Clare said.
"But it does matter to the timeline." Richard looked frustrated. Clare turned toward Evelyn.
"Mrs. Brooks, I need to ask you a few practical questions because a concern was formally raised. I'll keep this brief. Evelyn nodded. All right.
Where are you traveling today, Charlotte? Are you connecting there? Yes. Do you have your next boarding pass?
Evelyn touched the front pocket of her handbag. Right here. Your identification inside the zippered pocket. Any medication you may need during the flight.