“Everything’s okay, sweetheart. Come here.”
Leo started to climb toward her.
Aaron spoke quietly.
“If you take him into the aisle right now, you may trigger the person watching us.”
Maya froze.
Aaron slowly reached into the inner pocket of his jacket.
Maya caught his wrist instantly.
His expression barely changed.
“Easy.”
“What are you reaching for?”
“Identification.”
“Show me with two fingers.”
Aaron obeyed.
He produced a black wallet.
Inside was a federal credential.
Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Maya stared at it.
“You’re OSI?”
“Formerly.”
“Formerly?”
“I disappeared from official records six years ago.”
“That isn’t reassuring.”
“It wasn’t meant to be.”
Leo whispered, “Mom?”
Maya touched his shoulder.
“I’m right here.”
Aaron leaned closer.
“You were told Ethan Cross d/i/e/d eight years ago.”
Maya’s eyes sharpened.
“Be very careful what you say next.”
“He didn’t.”
For a moment, every sound in the cabin seemed to vanish.
