Only Lucas, Evelyn, Adrian Wells, and a woman named Katherine Shaw, general counsel for Cross Meridian Holdings.
Katherine placed a folder in front of Lucas.
“Before we discuss Skyward.”
She said.
“Ms. Cross wants to discuss the job.”
Lucas looked toward Evelyn.
She did not waste time.
“I own or control five aircraft.”
“Two are operated through my holding company.”
“Three through separate entities.”
“I am dissatisfied with the structure of my maintenance oversight.”
“That became obvious yesterday.”
Lucas waited.
Evelyn continued.
“I do not need another person who understands how to read a diagnostic screen.”
“I need someone who understands the aircraft and is willing to tell me something I do not want to hear.”
“That sounds simple.”
“It is not.”
She leaned back.
“Everyone claims they want honesty until honesty delays a departure.”
Lucas knew that was true.
“What is the position?”
“Director of independent fleet maintenance oversight.”
Lucas blinked.
“That is not a mechanic position.”
“No.”
“I’m not an executive.”
“I did not ask whether you were.”
“I don’t have a degree.”
“I did not ask that either.”
“You don’t know me.”
“Correct.”
“That should matter.”
“It does.”
Evelyn looked at Katherine.
Katherine opened the folder.
“Six-month probationary contract.”
“Full benefits from day one.”
“Base compensation: one hundred twenty-five thousand.”
Lucas stared at her.
His current annual earnings, combining contract jobs, had barely crossed forty-two thousand the previous year.
Katherine continued.
“Twenty-five-thousand-dollar signing payment.”
“Travel expenses.”
“Retirement contribution.”
“Health coverage for you and your dependent.”
Lucas heard almost none of the words after dependent.
Health coverage.
Noah.
Stable.
He forced himself to focus.
“What are the responsibilities?”
Evelyn answered.
“Inspect maintenance programs.”
“Review discrepancy handling.”
“Train junior staff.”
“Report directly to me and to the flight operations director on any safety concern.”
“You will have authority to recommend grounding.”
“Recommend?”
Katherine said:
“Operational grounding remains subject to regulatory and command structure.”
“Which is as it should be.”
Lucas nodded.
That answer increased his confidence.
“And if I say a jet stays down?”
Evelyn leaned forward.
“If your recommendation is supported by reasonable safety concern, it stays down until properly evaluated.”
“Even if you have a meeting.”
“Especially if I have a meeting.”
Lucas looked at her.
“That answer sounds very good in a conference room.”
“Yes.”
“It sounds different when you’re standing on a runway.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve seen the difference destroy people.”
Evelyn did not flinch.
“Then your job will include reminding me.”
Lucas looked down at the contract.
There were pages of terms.
He did not sign.
“I need Derek to look at this.”
“Who is Derek?”
“My attorney.”
Evelyn smiled.
“Good.”
Lucas looked up.
“You expected me to sign here?”
“I hoped you would not.”
That surprised him.
“Why?”
“Because yesterday you told me you valued procedure.”
“Today I’m offering you a life-changing amount of money.”
“If you signed without review, I would question whether I understood you correctly.”
For the first time since entering, Lucas relaxed slightly.
He took the contract home.
Derek Alvarez had handled Rachel’s estate and occasionally helped Lucas with contract employment language.
He reviewed the agreement that evening.
Then called Lucas.
“I dislike rich people.”
Lucas waited.
“But?”
“But whoever drafted this is not trying to trap you.”
“Good salary.”
“Clear termination language.”