“Elena, are you comfortable letting HR manage the disciplinary review rather than handling it personally?”
“Yes. I have the authority to terminate an employee, but that doesn’t mean I should skip the company’s process because I’m the person who was mistreated.”
She looked toward Thomas.
“Please make sure nobody pressures Marcus or the other witnesses about their statements.”
Thomas nodded.
“I’ll speak with the captain.”
Elena ended the call.
For several seconds, the little operations office was quiet.
Then Thomas said, “Ms. Carter, I really am sorry.”
She looked at him.
“Thomas, the important thing now is what we do.”
He nodded.
And together, they went back toward the aircraft.
By the time Elena returned to the forward cabin, Dana was standing beside the galley with her arms crossed.
Caroline was speaking quietly to the captain.
Marcus stood near the aircraft entrance, checking that boarding had been paused.
When Dana saw Elena approach with Thomas, she frowned.
“Why is she still here?”
Thomas stepped forward.
“Dana, you’re being relieved of duty while the incident is reviewed. Please collect your personal belongings and come with me.”
Dana stared at him.
“Relieved of duty? Because of her?”
“Because of the reported conduct and the evidence we need to review.”
Dana gave a short, angry laugh.
“You’re taking instructions from a passenger?”
Elena remained near the doorway.
Thomas looked at Dana.
“Ms. Carter is the CEO of Meridian Airways.”
Dana stopped.
She looked at Elena.
