"Mr. Ashland, welcome aboard, sir! Absolute honor." Greer's voice carried through the entire cabin; he wanted everyone to hear it. "Right this way. Seat 1A. Best seat on the aircraft."
Seat 1A. Simone's seat. The one she'd been dragged out of four minutes ago.
Ashland settled in like he owned the place, crossed his legs, and adjusted his cufflinks. A flight attendant appeared within seconds. Not Tanya, but Linda Marsh, senior cabin crew. Blonde hair pinned tight, smile pinned tighter.
"Champagne, Mr. Ashland?"
"Dom Pérignon, if you have it."
"Of course, sir."
She poured it with both hands like she was serving communion. The same Linda Marsh who had stood three feet away while a Black woman was hauled out of her seat by two guards. The same Linda Marsh who hadn't blinked.
Greer leaned against the cockpit doorframe, arms folded over his gut, grinning. He caught Linda's eye and nodded toward the back of the plane—toward Simone. Then he muttered something. Linda covered her mouth. They both laughed.
Simone saw it. She saw the nod. She saw the covered mouth. She saw the laughter aimed at her like a weapon.
A woman in row four turned around, glanced at Simone, then quickly looked away. A man in row six stared straight ahead as if the ceiling had suddenly become fascinating. The businessman in 2C, the one who had watched the guards grab her arm, was now reading a financial magazine. He hadn't turned a single page.
Nobody spoke. Nobody would speak. That was the agreement, the silent contract of people who witness something ugly and choose comfort over conscience.
Simone watched from row 22. Twenty-six years she'd been building this company. Twenty-six years of boardrooms where she was the only Black face. Twenty-six years of handshakes where men squeezed too hard, talked too loud, and looked over her shoulder for someone more important. She was used to it, but being used to it wasn't the same as being okay with it.
A small voice broke through. "Ma'am?"
Simone looked up. Tanya stood in the aisle holding a bottle of water. She was young, mid-20s, dark skin, natural hair pulled into a puff. Her name badge was slightly crooked. Her eyes were red.