He tapped the heavy silver band of his luxury wristwatch against the hard plastic of his armrest.

The metal made a sharp, repetitive clicking that echoed off the curved ceiling panels.

“It’s about time someone with actual authority showed up on this plane,” Caldwell said.

“Your flight attendant refuses to follow basic airline instructions.”

Supervisor Hayes cleared his throat.

He looked at his own tablet and then at Caldwell’s angry face.

“Sir, we need to resolve this boarding issue quickly,” Hayes said.

“We’re holding up the departure queue on the jet bridge.