Page 13 of Airborne
“Good idea.”
The man’s gaze stayed glued to Thomas, as though he was captivated by someone who shared the same mind-set.
“I want to negotiate a deal with the pilot,” Thomas said. “Let’s give permission to land, unload the sick, and then fly on to Frankfurt.”
“Your plan takes time.”
Heather lunged at the abductor. She seized his left wrist and twisted it back, forcing him to release the young woman, who scurried away from his hold. Heather wrestled him to the aisle floor and pulled both arms behind his back.
“I’m FBI. You’re under arrest.” She glanced up. “I need something to tie his hands.”
Thomas yanked off his tie. “Use this until we find a rope.”
The tie cost more than six months of car insurance. She grabbed it without taking her eyes off the assailant and wrappedit several times around his wrists. After grabbing his wallet for ID, she pressed him into his seat and clicked the seat belt.
The man referred to Heather in curse words she’d heard before and didn’t appreciate.
“Enough,” Thomas said, his voice low. “No reason to use that language with women and children present.”
“You FBI?” the man said.
“No. I’m just a passenger.”
Heather turned to Thomas. Relief coated her words. “Quick thinking. Thanks.”
“Glad to help. The hostage was upset. I would have been, too.” He looked at the woman now near the business class galley, where a female flight attendant helped her sit.
Heather studied the scene. The attendant gave the young woman a bottle of water and urged her to sit. Assured the young woman was in good hands, Heather sat on the right side of the man in custody. Nathan appeared and suggested Thomas take his seat. She thanked him again.
“What do you need?” Nathan said.
“Actually, if you could keep our friend company, I’ll retrieve my purse.”
“Sure thing.” He eased onto the right side of the man.
She walked to Mia, who opened her eyes the moment Heather reached for her shoulder bag resting below her seat.
“You are my hero,” Mia said. “I saw the whole takedown, and I’m impressed with how you swung into action. I’m also relieved. Is the young woman all right? Wasn’t hurt?”
“I believe she’s fine. Clearly shaken, which can be expected.”
“The man who helped you looks familiar, but I’m not sure why or from where.”
“His name is Thomas. No clue of his last name.” Heather shrugged. “He’s been volunteering with the sick.”
“Danger brings out the worst and the best in people.”
“You’re right, Mia. Heroes are built from adversity.” Heather studied her new friend’s features. Mia’s shallow breath caused worry to creep through her mind. At what point would medical personnel administer drugs to end the vicious symptoms? “I should get back to my prisoner. Please rest.”
“I’ll try.”
Heather touched Mia’s forehead. Heat emanated from her skin. Heather grabbed a clean pair of gloves and walked back to relieve Nathan of her prisoner.
Seated on the aisle seat beside the detainee, Heather turned to him. “Okay, sir. We are in the middle of a high-stress emergency. What’s going on with you?”
“My business, Ms. FBI.”
“Without a statement, I can’t speak on your behalf to the authorities.”
