"Captain Morrison, Operations. CNN is calling our media line. Fox News is requesting comment. We need immediate resolution. National news coverage."
Morrison felt his career prospects crumbling in real time. Yet part of him still clung to the belief that Jessica had never been wrong about a problem passenger before.
"What documentation?" Kim asked suspiciously.
"The kind that explains why forcibly removing me would end all of your careers," Marcus replied.
Jessica's voice rose to near hysteria. "He's been threatening us the entire time. He won't show proper ID. Look at him. Does he look like he belongs in first class?"
"Ma'am," Kim said carefully, "what specific threats did he make?"
"He said there would be consequences. He keeps timing everything on his watch. He's planning something."
Emma's viewer count hit 55,000. Major news outlets were sliding into her direct messages. Her phone buzzed constantly with interview requests.
"Four minutes to departure."
Morrison made his decision.
"Officers, remove him. One hundred forty-seven passengers can't be held hostage by one individual."
Rodriguez stepped forward with the restraints ready. "Sir, stand up slowly and place your hands behind your back."
Marcus did not move.
Instead, he asked, "Captain Morrison, how long have you been flying for Southwest?"
"Twenty-three years," Morrison answered automatically, then caught himself. "That's irrelevant."
"Officer Rodriguez, how long have you worked airport security?"
"Eight years. Why does that matter?"
"Because in 30 seconds, you'll both need to explain to your supervisors why you detained the wrong person."
Morrison's radio erupted with static.
"Captain Morrison, emergency. We have a developing situation. Stand by for executive-level instructions. Do not proceed with passenger removal until further notice."
Executive level.
That meant corporate headquarters. That meant people Morrison had never met but who controlled his career.
"Sir, you're under arrest for—" Rodriguez began.
"Three minutes to departure," the intercom interrupted.
Marcus finally stood.
The entire cabin held its breath. Every phone focused on him.
"Officers," he said quietly, "20 years from now, you'll train new personnel about this moment, about the importance of asking the right questions before taking action."
He reached into his briefcase with deliberate slowness. This time, no one stopped him.
Marcus withdrew an expensive leather document folder embossed with a logo most people would not recognize. He opened it carefully.
"Before you arrest me," he said, "perhaps you should see my identification."
Kim extended her hand reluctantly. Marcus gave her a business card.
She read it, and her face went chalk white. She showed Rodriguez. His eyes widened.
"What does it say?" Morrison demanded, his voice cracking.