The name Rachel Brooks appeared on the screen. Chief legal officer of Cole Meridian Partners. The woman responsible for protecting every major transaction Adrienne's firm entered. His thumb hovered over the call button. Gregory gave a dismissive breath.
Call whoever you want. Adrienne looked up one last time. That is exactly what I intend to do. Rachel Brooks answered on the second ring. Adrien, her voice was calm, but she knew he would not call during boarding unless something mattered.
Adrienne kept his eyes on Gregory. Rachel, placed the Crown Atlantic transaction on immediate hold. Do not release any closing documents. Do not authorize any funding instructions. Preserve all communications related to tonight.
For the first time, Heather looked genuinely confused. Dererick glanced at Gregory as if waiting for him to explain what they were hearing. Gregory gave a dismissive shake of his head. Rachel did not ask whether Adrienne was certain. Understood.
Is this a transaction issue or an incident issue? Both now. Adrienne looked toward Emily. I am aboard flight 718 at Kennedy Airport. My boarding pass and identification were verified.
Crew members continued questioning whether I belonged in seat 3A. Captain Gregory Walsh ordered me off the aircraft without identifying a specific safety violation. He then told me to go back to Africa. Rachel was silent for one beat. When she spoke again, her voice had changed.
Were there witnesses? Several. One crew member confirmed my reservation was valid. Multiple passengers heard the captain. Any recording?
At least one passenger appears to have one. Rachel responded immediately. I will notify the investment committee and outside council. I will issue a preservation request through the appropriate transaction channels. Nothing closes tonight.
Gregory unfolded his arms. What transaction? Adrien did not answer him. Rachel continued. Do you want me to contact Thomas Grant?
Not yet. Let the process reach him through the same system his company expected to use for closing. Understood. Adrien ended the call and placed the phone on the armrest. The cabin remained silent.
Gregory gave a thin smile. Are we finished? Adrien looked at him. I am. Gregory gestured toward the aisle.
Then gather your belongings. Before Adrienne could respond, a chime sounded from the phone clipped to Heather's uniform. Almost immediately, another alert appeared on a company device near the forward galley. Heather checked it and the color drained from her face. Captain Gregory ignored her.