Then held.
David let out a broken breath.
“Twenty-eight four. Stabilizing.”
“Good.”
Raptor One returned.
“Valkyrie Seven, we have visual through intermittent cloud break. You’re descending through heavy cells. Recommend heading two-one-zero to exit worst turbulence.”
I almost smiled.
Almost.
Military jets were out there in the storm, invisible to everyone aboard except me, sliding through the dark like wolves beside a wounded whale.
“Copy two-one-zero,” I said. “Correcting now.”
The 747 began a slow turn.
In the cabin, the veteran’s voice rose, firm and controlled.
“Everyone stay seated. Seat belts tight. Heads back. Listen to the crew.”
Another flight attendant, Mia, came over the interphone.
“Emma?”
Her voice trembled.
“I’m here.”
“People are asking what’s happening.”
“Tell them we have emergency military escort and are diverting. Tell them to stay seated and prepare for a rough descent.”
“Emma… are you flying?”
“Yes.”
A small silence.
Then she whispered, “Okay.”
