Then another principle from her years of service returned to her.

A pilot never abandons people who need help.

Laura inhaled slowly.

“I’m a pilot.”

The flight attendant stared at her.

“Excuse me?”

Laura removed her seat belt and straightened in her chair.

Her entire demeanor changed.

“I’m a former United States Air Force fighter pilot. I flew F-16s.”

The passenger beside her blinked in disbelief.

“You?”

Laura gave a small nod.

The flight attendant’s expression shifted instantly from confusion to relief.

“Please come with me.”

Laura stood.

As she walked toward the cockpit, memories she had spent eighteen months trying to bury followed her with every step.

But she had no idea that what waited beyond the cockpit door was connected directly to the tragedy that had destroyed her old life.

PART 2

The cockpit door opened.

Laura immediately smelled overheated electronics, coffee, and tension.

Captain Andrew Vance sat in the left seat, both hands tight around the controls.