“Former Air Force.

F-16s.

Take me to the cockpit.”

Chapter 4 — Mommy Will Be Right Back

The woman across the aisle had heard, a kind-faced passenger in her sixties with a paperback open on her knee, and she was already leaning forward, already nodding before Maya could finish the thought.

“Go on, dear,” she whispered.

“I’ll sit right here.

I won’t take my eyes off him.” Maya looked at her for a second longer than the moment strictly required, measuring her the way she had once measured everything, and found her steady.