Ethan heard the name over the radio.
His voice changed instantly.
“Maya, stop.”
“Why?”
“Holt ran the investigation after my disappearance.”
Maya understood.
“She buried it.”
“Worse.”
Ethan’s voice dropped.
“She created the network.”
They found Marian Holt near the rear galley.
She looked nothing like a mastermind.
Sixty-three.
Silver hair.
Soft cardigan.
Thin glasses.
The kind of woman strangers might ask to watch a suitcase.
The black carry-on rested beside her.
Holt smiled at Maya.
“I wondered how long it would take you.”
Passengers nearby stared in confusion.
Aaron moved forward.
“Step away from the bag.”
Holt sighed.
“Aaron, you always were theatrical.”
“You’re finished.”
“No.”
She looked at Maya.
“I’m retiring.”
Maya stared.
“You built all of this?”
“I built a system governments begged for.”
“A system that can seize aircraft.”
“A system that can prevent h/i/jackings, redirect compromised flights, protect cities.”
“Or c/rash planes remotely.”
