Page 37 of Mile High Ruin

“Nothing.”

“That expression is never nothing,” he says. In response, I just flick him off and walk away. But as I do, I’m already dialing a number. Marek isn’t wrong about this. I do want to see her again.

I call the head of operations. He answers on the second ring.

“Mr. Chernovar.”

“Who handles cabin assignments for my aircraft?”

There’s a pause. “Several coordinators, depending on the route.”

“I want one attendant assigned consistently.”

“Camille?”

“No.” Another pause. “Sloane Mercer.”

He’s professional enough not to react audibly.

“The new contractor from the Teterboro flight?”

“Yes.”

“I would need to check her availability.”

“Do that.”

“And if she is unavailable?”

“Make her available.”

There’s a slightly longer silence.

“We cannot force an independent contractor to accept a flight.”

“I’m aware.”

“Of course.”

“Offer whatever rate is necessary.”

“Understood.”

I look at the schedule again. “All future flights on my aircraft. If her legal rest requirements allow it, she is offered the assignment first.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And don’t tell her the request came from me.”

This time, I hear the hesitation.

“May I ask why?”

“No.”

“Understood.”

The call ends. I remain standing beside the window with the phone in my hand.