Chapter 10 - Forty Minutes to Land
Laura wanted to scream.
She wanted to tear the communication panel apart.
She wanted to find Halden and make him answer for every year Sophie had spent without her father.
Instead, she looked at Mercer.
"Fly the airplane."
He nodded.
"Already doing that."
Laura closed her eyes.
One breath.
Then another.
She remembered an instructor from her earliest flight training.
Panic is a luxury the airplane cannot afford.
She opened her eyes.
"What's our actual situation?"
Mercer gave her the facts.
They had sufficient fuel for a diversion, but uncertainty about their position and the unreliable information complicated the decision.
The weather was deteriorating.
The captain remained medically incapacitated.
The crew had reported a suspected security threat aboard.
They needed a suitable airport and reliable coordination with air traffic services.
Laura listened carefully.
"Can we keep this aircraft stable?"
"Yes."
"Then we are not out of options."
Mercer nodded.
He began coordinating the diversion using the reliable information still available to him.
Laura stayed clear of the controls.
She knew the difference between courage and pretending to have qualifications she didn't possess.
She could help him organize information.
She could manage communication with the cabin.
She could support the emergency response.
But Mercer was the pilot qualified to fly this airplane.
A fresh radio call came through.
"Atlantic 417, this is Shannon Control."
Mercer answered immediately.
The voice was faint but clear enough.
"Radar contact established."
"Confirm emergency."
Mercer transmitted the situation.
The controller responded with calm professionalism.
"Atlantic 417, assistance is being coordinated."
Laura felt a brief surge of relief.
They weren't alone anymore.
Then Elena called.
"Laura, we have another problem."
"What?"
"The man we restrained is gone."
Laura turned.
"What do you mean, gone?"
"Someone released him."
"Who?"
"We don't know."
A crash sounded through the cabin communication system.
Then a scream.
Laura heard Elena shout.
"Stay back!"
The line went dead.
Mercer looked at her.
"Go."
Laura hesitated.
He nodded.
"I've got the airplane."
She ran.
As she reached the front galley, the cabin lights flickered.
Passengers cried out.
A man stood near the emergency equipment compartment.
Marcus Reed.
The passenger they had restrained.
His wrists were free.
He held Elena by the arm.
And beside him stood a woman wearing a flight attendant's uniform.
Laura recognized her.
She had served Laura water before takeoff.
She had smiled.
She had wished her a pleasant flight.
Now she was holding a small blade against Elena's throat.
May you like
"Major Vance," the woman said.
"General Halden would like a word."
