In this handbag, I keep it with me. Clare nodded. Thank you. Richard shook his head.
Three questions don't prove anything. Clare looked at him. I'm not giving Mrs. Brooks a medical examination. I'm determining whether you've identified an immediate issue requiring crew intervention.
I have. Which one? Richard opened his mouth then stopped. Clare continued.
The luggage issue has been clarified. Mrs. Brooks knew her seat. She knows her destination and connection. Her wheelchair assistance was requested because of her knee.
Richard looked around the cabin. She was holding people up. Marcus answered for a few seconds during boarding. Richard glared at him.
Clare asked, "Did she prevent boarding from continuing?" "No." "Did she require emergency assistance?" "No."
"Did she ask you to manage her documents or belongings?" "No." Clare nodded. "Then I still don't have a specific safety issue that would justify removing her from this flight."
Richard's face tightened. "So, you're just taking their word over mine?" "No, I'm comparing each claim with what can be checked." Richard looked toward Marcus.
He agrees with everything she says.
Marcus shook his head. I agree with the things I witnessed. How convenient. Marcus did not react.
Clare looked toward Richard. Did you want this seat before boarding today? Richard hesitated. The question seemed to surprise him.
What does that have to do with anything? You were persistent enough to offer Mrs. Brooks money. I'm asking why this particular seat mattered. Richard looked toward the row marker.
I prefer being closer to the front. That's all. I have a connection. Evelyn looked at him.
You never mentioned a connection when you asked me. Richard turned. I didn't owe you my travel schedule. No, Evelyn said, but you expected me to give up mine.
Richard's jaw tightened. Clare asked. Was there another reason you expected this seat? Richard did not answer immediately.
Marcus watched him. Evelyn noticed the hesitation. Finally, Richard said, "It was originally mine." Clare frowned. What do you mean?
When I booked the flight, I was assigned this seat. Evelyn looked at him. Clare asked. But your current boarding pass shows another seat.
The airline changed it. When before today, did the airline tell you Mrs. Brooks was occupying your seat incorrectly? No. Did anyone tell you she was required to move?
Richard looked away. No. Clare nodded slowly. That detail changed the dispute again.
Richard had not randomly selected Evelyn's seat. He had a reason for wanting it, but he also knew before boarding that his current assignment was elsewhere. Clare looked at him. So, you knew this seat was no longer assigned to you when you approached Mrs. Brooks.
Richard's expression hardened. I knew what my boarding pass said. That wasn't my question. Richard stared at her.
Clare repeated it. Did you know the airline had reassigned you before you asked Mrs. Brooks to move? After several seconds, Richard answered, "Yes." Evelyn leaned back.
For the first time, the argument made complete sense to her. Richard had not mistaken her seat for his. He had known it was hers. He simply believed his earlier claim to it should matter more than her current one.