Thomas Grant, Crown Atlantic's chief executive officer, had spent months convincing Adrian that new capital could stabilize the company and rebuild confidence. Lawyers had reviewed contracts. Analysts had tested forecasts. Operations teams had studied aircraft utilization and route profitability. The numbers were nearly ready.
Adrien was not. He believed financial statements could reveal what executives wanted investors to see. Ordinary moments revealed what companies actually were. That was why he had rejected Thomas Grant's offer to arrange special transportation, executive lounge access, and a personal escort through the terminal. Adrien wanted no one at the gate warned that he was coming.
He wanted to experience Crown Atlantic as a passenger before deciding whether Cole Meridian should become one of its most important financial partners. At the boarding door, Emily Parker greeted him with a professional smile and scanned his pass. Seat 3A business class. Everything was valid. Adrien thanked her and walked aboard.
He placed his briefcase beneath the seat in front of him, settled beside the window, and opened a document on his phone. For several minutes, nothing happened. Then Heather Collins stopped beside his row. Her eyes moved from Adrien to the seat number above him and back again. Sir, may I see your boarding pass.
Adrienne handed her his phone. She studied the screen longer than necessary. This says 3. Yay. That is where I am sitting.
Heather looked toward the rear cabin. Are you certain this reservation is yours? Adrienne slowly lifted his eyes. What makes you think it is not? Heather hesitated.
Derek Shaw approached from the galley and looked at the screen. We just need to verify everything. Adrienne glanced across the aisle. A white businessman had taken seat 3C moments earlier without being asked for anything beyond his boarding pass at the aircraft door. You already verified it when I boarded, Adrienne said.
Heather returned the phone but did not leave. I'm going to need identification as well. Adrienne watched her carefully. The request was no longer interesting because of what it asked. It was interesting because of whom it was being asked of, he reached for his wallet, then stopped.
"Before I show you anything else," he said calmly. "Tell me what is wrong with the boarding pass you already confirmed. " "There is nothing wrong with the boarding pass," Heather said, but her tone suggested the opposite. Adrienne held her gaze. "Then why are you asking for identification that you did not request from the passenger across the aisle? " Heather glanced toward seat 3C where a white businessman in a gray suit was placing headphones over his ears. Dererick stepped closer.
Sir, this does not need to become difficult. Adrien remained still. I agree. That answer seemed to frustrate him. Dererick looked at Heather, then back at Adrien.
Sometimes reservations get transferred. Names get entered incorrectly. People sit in the wrong cabin. We are making sure everything matches. Adrienne nodded once.
"Then tell me what does not match. " Neither flight attendant answered. The boarding pass displayed Adrien Cole, Crown Atlantic flight 718, John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles, seat 3A. The status indicator showed that he had already been verified at the gate and scanned onto the aircraft. There was no error to solve.
There was only suspicion searching for an excuse. Heather finally said, "Identification, please. " Adrien took out his driver's license and handed it to her. She compared the name with the boarding pass. Adrien Cole, perfect match. For a moment, Adrienne expected that to end it.