Both economy lavatories are occupied." This restroom is for first class passengers only. My ticket is first class. You moved me, but my ticket class hasn't changed. Victoria's nostrils flared.
Your ticket class is whatever I say it is. Turn around. I need to use the restroom. Then wait in line like everyone else in the back. A passenger in row two, a white man in a gray suit, pulled out his phone and began recording.
He held it low near his armrest, but the camera was clearly pointed at them. "Are you recording this?" Victoria turned on him. "Put that away. No recording on this aircraft."
Actually, there's no federal regulation against passengers filming inside the cabin, Karen said. Her voice was calm, measured, factual. Victoria's eyes snapped back to her. Don't tell me what the regulations are. I enforce the regulations on this plane.
"You enforce them selectively." The sentence landed like a stone in still water. Victoria's jaw tightened. Her red nails dug into her palms. She leaned in close, close enough that her perfume filled Karen's lungs and whispered, "Listen to me carefully.
You are nothing on this plane. You are nobody. I don't care what your little piece of paper says. You don't belong up here. You never did, and everyone on this aircraft knows it.
Now turn around and walk back to your seat before I have you zip tied to it." Karen didn't step back. She didn't blink. I'd like your full name and employee ID number, please. Excuse me.
Your full name and your employee ID. Victoria laughed. A high sharp sound. You want to file a complaint? Go ahead.
I've gotten a dozen complaints from people like you. Nothing ever happens. Nothing ever will. Derek's voice came from behind. "What's going on here?"
She's trying to force her way into the first class lavatory, Victoria said. Derek looked at Karen. Ma'am, I told you once already. Don't make me tell you again. If you continue to create a disturbance, I will divert this aircraft.
Do you understand what that means? An emergency landing. Federal Marshals. You will be arrested on the jetway. I'm asking to use the restroom and I'm telling you no.
Go back to your seat. Final warning. Karen turned to walk back. As she did, she saw her phone sitting on the tray table at row 34, still open to the notes app. She hadn't brought it with her.