“Who?”

“Director of Flight Operations for the airline. He’s traveling in first class.”

The lead flight attendant called through the interphone.

“Captain, do not open the door. Mr. Sterling is demanding to enter and says his executive position gives him authority.”

Laura’s expression hardened.

Nothing about the situation felt accidental anymore.

Moments later, the flight attendant called again.

“The doctor found a small plastic cap beneath the first officer’s seat. It looks like it came from a vial.”

Andrew turned toward the windshield.

Through heavy rain, runway lights finally appeared in the distance.

“We land first,” he said.

Laura slid into the unconscious co-pilot’s seat and fastened the harness.

“Agreed. Whatever else is happening can wait until we’re on the ground.”

The airliner descended through intense rain and powerful crosswinds.

Andrew lowered the landing gear.

Two green indicators appeared.

The third did not.

The right main landing gear had not confirmed that it was securely locked.