The man stammered, nodding frantically, already dialing someone. I didn't wait to hear more. My blood was already boiling, my jaw clenching so tight it ached. I paced, trying to keep control, trying to calculate.
The delay had been a fucking joke.
A "minor technical issue" they said, an engine fault flagged during inspection. Then it was the weather, airspace delays, cloud pressure, turbulence concerns. I should've grounded the airline, fired the entire aviation team, and bought another goddamn fleet. I'd offered them triple pay to find another plane, another route, another sky to rip apart and bring me to her faster.
I'd made the mistake of leaving her. Of assuming she'd stay grounded.
