She watched him depart before collecting her own coat and bag. As she moved toward the front, several passengers smiled at her with the quiet familiarity that sometimes develops between people who have shared unpleasant air and come safely through it. Isaac stood near the galley, checking the final cabin condition. He offered to carry her bag, and she declined with thanks.
"You were good with that gentleman during the turbulence," he said.
"He did the difficult work himself. I only explained what was happening."
Isaac seemed about to say something more, but Miller appeared beside the aircraft door before he could. The purser's shoulders were straight and his expression was controlled, the way it had been when he ordered the seat change. Only a tightening near his jaw suggested that he expected an argument.
"Mrs. Davis," Miller said. "The station supervisor needs to speak with you before you enter the terminal. Please remain here."
"Certainly," Margaret replied. "Would you like to tell me why?"
"There were concerns about your conduct during the flight."
"What conduct?"
"The matter will be explained by the station manager."
Margaret looked once at Chloe, who stood a few steps behind him. Her face had gone pale again, but she did not drop her eyes. Margaret gave the faintest nod, the same gesture she had offered frightened employees across many difficult years. Then she stepped onto the jet bridge and waited.
Lionel Wilson arrived carrying a tablet and accompanied by an airport customer-service officer named Dana Kim. His manner was brisk but courteous. He greeted Margaret by name, introduced himself, and asked if she was physically comfortable after the flight. She said she was and indicated that she would prefer the conversation remain in the open area rather than move to a private room until she understood its purpose.
"Of course," Wilson said. "We've received a report about a disagreement involving a seat reassignment and an incident during turbulence. I'd like to verify the facts before anything further is entered in your account."
Margaret noticed Chloe straighten when she heard the word verify. It was a small thing, but the young woman's expression changed as if someone had finally opened a window in a room where she had been unable to breathe. Miller, by contrast, looked impatient.
"There's nothing complicated," he said. "She was relocated because she wasn't suitable for the exit row. Later she insulted crew members, ignored instructions, and interfered with a passenger in thirty-eight B. I recommended a no-fly filing. Anderson also disobeyed a direct service restriction. I want both matters documented."
Wilson did not answer him immediately. Instead, he looked at Margaret. "Mrs. Davis, does that account match your recollection?"
"No," she said. "Not in any material way."
"Would you tell me what happened?"