“That is accurate.”
There was a long silence. Sarah had worked with Marcus for seven years. She knew his voice well enough to hear when anger had become precise.
“Was it the official passport?”
“Yes.”
“State needs to be notified.”
“I know.”
“Are police there?”
“Yes.”
“Were you detained?”
“Almost.”
Sarah exhaled through her nose.
“The Secretary wants you on a secure line now.”
“Tell her I’ll call in ten minutes.”
“You still planning to fly?”
“No.”
“The hearing starts at nine.”
“I know.”
“We can get a government car and put you on the late Amtrak if we have to.”
Marcus glanced at the gate agents, the crowd, the officers, and the torn passport being placed carefully into an evidence envelope.
“Sarah.”
“Yes?”
“Preserve everything related to Meridian’s complaint history. No one contacts the carrier about enforcement until Ethics and General Counsel establish a conflict protocol.”
Sarah understood immediately.
“Because you’re now a complainant.”
“Yes.”
“You want to recuse?”
“From any enforcement decision involving this incident. I can testify to what happened. I can’t be the person deciding what punishment follows.”
“Good.”
Marcus gave a tired half smile.
“You sound relieved.”
“I know you.”
“So?”
“So you’re angry enough to be dangerous to bad process.”
That almost made him laugh.
“Ten minutes.”
He ended the call. Zoe had stopped streaming. She approached cautiously.
“Mr. Williams?”
Marcus looked at her. She seemed much younger without the phone between them.