Karen pressed the button a third time. This time, footsteps. But it wasn't Victoria. Natalie Brooks appeared in the aisle carrying a tray of empty cups from the mid-cabin galley. She stopped when she saw the call light.
"Can I help you?" "I'd like some water, please, and a blanket if you have one." Of course, I'll be right back. Natalie returned 90 seconds later with a bottle of water and a folded blue blanket. She leaned down and lowered her voice.
"I'm sorry about what happened earlier. That wasn't right." Karen looked at her name badge. Natalie. Yes, ma'am.
Thank you. Natalie straightened up. She had taken two steps back toward the galley when Victoria's voice cut through the cabin like a blade. Natalie, what are you doing back here? Victoria stood at the edge of the economy curtain, arms crossed, chin lifted, her pearl earrings caught the overhead light.
She pressed the call button three times. No one responded. I brought her water. I didn't authorize that. She pressed the call button.
That's standard protocol. I decide what's standard in my cabin. Victoria stepped closer. Every passenger in the surrounding rows could hear her now. You don't serve anyone I haven't cleared.
Especially not someone who was removed from first class for a reason. Do you understand me? Natalie's cheeks flushed red. She's a paying passenger. She's a problem, and if you keep making friends with problems, you'll be one, too.
Victoria held Natalie's gaze for three full seconds, then smiled. The kind of smile that was worse than a slap. Go restock the overhead napkins in rows 20 through 25. Now, Natalie left. She didn't look back at Karen.
Karen unscrewed the water bottle. She drank half of it in one long swallow. She opened her phone and typed FA Brooks responded to three call-button presses. FA Ashford intervened. Public reprimand of junior crew member for performing basic service.
Passengers in rows 30 to 34 witnessed. 40 minutes into the flight. Karen stood up to use the restroom. The economy lavatories both showed occupied. She waited 4 minutes, still occupied.
A line of three passengers formed behind her. She walked forward. The first class lavatory was visible through the gap in the curtain. Door open, green vacant light glowing. Her boarding pass, you know, the one Victoria had confiscated, entitled her to first class amenities regardless of her current seat assignment.
She knew this because she had written that policy herself. She stepped through the curtain. Victoria materialized before Karen's hand reached the lavatory door. "Where do you think you're going?" "The restroom.