Chapter 5 - The Descent into Logan
"Flight attendants, prepare the cabin for arrival," the captain’s voice crackled through the intercom.
The Boeing banked sharply over the slate-gray waters of Massachusetts Bay, the afternoon sun glinting off the Boston skyline in the distance. The cabin tilted, engines throttling back to a rhythmic, low-frequency hum.
Kylie moved down the aisle with the large trash bag, her posture straight, her professional composure unbroken despite the burning knot in her stomach. She smiled warmly at passengers, taking their empty cups, pretzel bags, and crumpled napkins.
"Thank you, ma'am... Here, let me take that for you, sir... Have a wonderful stay in Boston."
When she reached row 24, Caden had returned to his seat. The cold pack had melted, leaving his lap damp, but his expression was as tranquil as a frozen lake.
"Are you feeling any better, sir?" Kylie asked, her voice dropping to a gentle whisper.
"Much better, thank you," Caden replied. "Your name is Kylie, correct?"
"Yes, Kylie Miller."
"How long have you worked for this airline, Kylie?"
"Four months," she said, managing a faint smile. "I graduated top of my training class in Atlanta. I really love this job, sir. Or... I thought I did." Her eyes darted briefly toward the front of the plane where Brianna was standing by the forward galley.
"Don't lose faith in the work because of bad people," Caden said softly. "A company is just a collection of human choices. When bad choices go unpunished, rot spreads. But rot can be cut out."
Kylie tilted her head, confused by the strange, corporate poetry of his words. Before she could answer, Brianna’s shrill voice came over the cabin PA system from the front.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are on our final approach to Boston Logan International Airport. Please ensure your seatbacks and tray tables are in their full upright and locked positions. Cross-check your seatbelts. And a reminder: carry-on luggage must be stowed completely under the seat in front of you—especially for those in our *standard economy* rows who may not be accustomed to commercial aviation standards."
Several passengers glanced around, uncomfortable with the blatant, condescending jab woven into what should have been a standard safety announcement.
Brianna walked down the aisle one last time to inspect the cabin, swinging her hips with deliberate arrogance. When she reached row 24, she saw Kylie talking to Caden.
"Miller," Brianna snapped loudly enough for six rows to hear. "Are you deaf? The captain said prepare the cabin. Stop socializing with the cheap seats and strap into your jumpseat before I write you up for a flight deck safety violation."
Kylie’s cheeks flushed crimson. "I'm just finishing trash collection, Brianna."
"I don't care what you're doing. Go to the rear jumpseat. Now."
Kylie bit her lip, gave Caden an apologetic look, and turned back toward the rear.
Brianna stood over Caden, looking down at his damp jeans with an ugly, satisfied grin. "Enjoy the burn, buddy? When we land, make sure you don't take forever getting your bag down. Some people on this flight actually have places to be."
Caden looked up slowly. For the first time, he didn't just look past her; he looked directly into her eyes, with a cold, piercing clarity that made her stomach tighten involuntarily.
"You should remember this flight, Brianna," Caden said evenly.
She let out a harsh, contemptuous laugh. "Oh, is that a threat? What are you going to do? Complain to customer service? Leave a one-star review on Twitter? Let me tell you a secret: nobody cares about you. You're a seat number. Tomorrow, you'll be gone, and I’ll still be flying first class on my staff passes."
She spun on her heels and strutted toward the front galley, clicking the jumpseat into position.
Caden looked out the oval window as the wheels slammed onto the tarmac of Runway 4R with a loud screech of rubber and smoke. Reverse thrusters roared, vibrating the entire cabin as the plane decelerated rapidly.
Caden turned his phone back on. A message flashed on his screen from Marcus Vance:
*Board is assembled at Gate B14. Station Director, HR Chief, and Transit Police are on the jetway. God help us, Caden, what happened on that plane?*
Caden typed a single word:
May you like
*Watch.*
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