People trapped miles above an ocean with absolutely no control over what was happening.
For a moment, she remembered why she had walked away.
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.
Beside him, the first officer was unconscious with an oxygen mask covering his face.
Andrew looked at Laura’s casual clothes.
“You have military flight experience?”
“Yes.”
“What aircraft?”
“F-16 Falcons.”
“When did you last fly?”
Laura hesitated.
“About eighteen months ago.”
The captain frowned.
“I need someone current, not someone relying on old experience.”
Before Laura could answer, the entire aircraft suddenly began vibrating.
This wasn’t normal turbulence.
