“That’s what police always say when they’re taking somebody else’s side.”
Daniel looked at Mark.
“If she pays now, do you still want anything criminal?”
Mark hesitated.
“No. If the bill is paid and she leaves us alone, we’re done.”
Daniel turned back.
“There.”
Cassandra frowned.
“There what?”
“You have a clean exit.”
“I’m not leaving the airport.”
“I said leaving the restaurant alone.”
“Then help me get the Apple Pay working.”
Daniel looked at her phone.
“I’m not tech support.”
She laughed bitterly.
“Of course.”
The man in red spoke again.
“Double-click the side button.”
Cassandra turned toward him.
“I know how to use an iPhone.”
He shrugged.
“Doesn’t look like it.”
Cassandra took a step toward him.
Daniel immediately moved between them.
“Stop.”
“I want him away from me.”
“Then stop engaging with him.”
“He insulted me.”
“And you’re not going to respond.”
“You cannot order me not to speak.”
“I can order you not to create another disturbance while I’m investigating this one.”
Cassandra backed away.
Her face was red.
The departure board changed.
BOARDING.
Cassandra saw it.
“No.”
Daniel followed her eyes.
“They started boarding.”
“Yes.”
“I have to go.”
“Pay the bill.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I understand.”
“My luggage is checked.”
“Then the airline will handle it.”
“No, no. I cannot miss this flight.”
“Then solve the payment.”
“I am supposed to meet investors tonight.”
Daniel said nothing.
“I have dinner at nine.”
Nothing.
“I have clients.”
Nothing.
“You really don’t care.”
Daniel looked at her.
“I care enough to keep giving you a chance to resolve this without being arrested.”
The word arrested changed the air.
Cassandra stopped.
“What do you mean arrested?”
Daniel gestured toward the restaurant.
“They are willing to make a complaint if you don’t pay.”
“I want to pay.”
“Then pay.”
“I’m trying!”
Her voice echoed across the terminal.
Several travelers turned.
Cassandra immediately noticed.
She lowered her voice.
“This is insane.”
Daniel nodded toward the seats.
“Sit down.”
“No.”
“Sit down and call your bank.”
“I’m not sitting like a criminal.”
“No one said you’re a criminal.”
“You just threatened to arrest me.”
“I explained what could happen.”
Cassandra turned toward the gate.
Boarding groups one and two were being called.
She took one step.
Daniel moved sideways.
“Don’t.”
“I’m going to my gate.”
“No.”