Page 10 of Mile High Ruin

“Then why are we discussing it?”

“Because shooting everyone who inconveniences us is not always an efficient negotiating strategy,” Marek says.

“It is frequently efficient.”

“Messy, though.”

Anton doesn’t smile, but I see the movement in his jaw.

I turn back to the documents.

The aircraft has been in the air for almost an hour. The climb was smooth, the weather is clear, and the cabin is quiet enough that I can hear the faint clink of glassware from the galley.

I don’t look in that direction.

I’m not waiting for her to return.

I read the first page of the agreement and absorb none of it. The new attendant served the predeparture drinks, completed the safety briefing, and then disappeared behind the galley curtain shortly after takeoff. Camille has been handling the cabin alone since then.

There is no reason for me to notice. Cabin crew move in and out of sight constantly. That is the point of competent service.

Still, I know Sloane has not returned. I know because every time footsteps approach from the rear of the aircraft, I look up.

“Remove the clause on independent access,” I tell Iosef. “They use our terminals under our supervision or they find another route.”

“They will threaten to walk.”

“Let them.”

“They may.”

“They won’t.”

Marek watches me over the rim of his glass. His attention is irritatingly direct.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

“You are staring.”

“I’m observing.”

“Stop.”

He looks toward the galley. I follow his gaze before I can prevent it. The curtain is closed. When I look back, Marek’s smile has deepened.

I should have him moved to the rear of the aircraft.

Possibly outside it.

“Something interesting back there?” he asks.

“No.”

“Then why do you keep looking?”

“I’m not.”