“It’s private.”
Simone looked towards the businessman who was waiting for her.
He had stopped pretending not to listen.
She understood something then.
If she revealed who she was now, everything would change instantly.
Apologies would appear.
His seat would suddenly become available.
Someone would blame a computer.
A supervisor would arrive with champagne.
And she would learn nothing about what happened to the passengers who did not carry federal identification in their purses.
Then Simone stood up.
« Alright. »
Rachel looked stunned.
“Are you moving?”
Simone lifted her bag of clothes.
“For now.”
Something about the way she pronounced those two words made Marianne hesitate.
But only briefly.
Derek gestured towards the aisle.
“Row thirty-seven. Seat E.”
Simone looked at him.
“The middle seat next to the toilet?”
“That’s what’s left.”
Rachel immediately said, “There are empty seats in Comfort Plus.”
Derek ignored her.
Simone retrieved her briefcase.
