Page 16 of Too Much In Common
They scanned their boarding passes and entered the jetway. A flight attendant greeted them. Candace stopped in the aisle in front of 3A and 3B. A large woman sat feeding a fluffy white lap dog a kibble treat.
Chris tapped Candace’s shoulder and nodded for her to move back another step. “Excuse me. You are in our seats.”
“No, I am in my seats. Aren’t we Thor?”
The dog yapped at him.
“Is there a problem?” asked the flight attendant. “Oh. You need to put your dog back in your carrier.”
The woman gathered the dog to her chest. “Thor doesn’t like being in a cage.”
“FAA regulations require that pets ride in approved carriers under the seat in front of you.” The attendant turned to Chris. “May I help you find your seat?”
Chris swiped his phone to his seat assignment. “We have found our seats.”
The attendant held out her hand to the dog’s mom. “May I see your boarding pass?”
The woman huffed. The dog copied her. “These seats were open.”
“Your boarding pass, please.”
“The man on TickityTacky said this is how to get a free upgrade. You wait until everyone is on and move.” The dog yapped his agreement.
TikTok? Chris fought to keep his bodyguard face in place.
“I need you to show me your boarding pass.” The attendant’s voice was tight, her smile unnaturally wide.
A male flight attendant joined them from coach and stood behind Chris.
“This is persecution. You are all canine-phobic!”
“Ms. —” started the female attendant.
“I know my rights!”
“We cannot take off until you are in your seat and your dog is stowed properly. If you refuse, I’ll need to inform the captain.”
“The captain. I saw him. Yummy. I’d love to meet him.” Dog mama looked Chris up and down. “He’s not too bad either.”
The attendant from coach nodded to the other one. She picked up the phone to the cockpit. A moment later, the door opened and out stepped... Tian?
Her gaze locked with his, and Chris realized he’d spoken out loud. Under her cap, her brow furrowed. “I am First Officer Johnson. The captain has asked me to remove you and your dog from the plane.”
“He can’t do that. I paid to be on this plane.”
“Mrs. Crandall, the captain has asked that you leave this plane.” Tian spoke with a firmness that caused Chris to freeze.
“How do you know my name?”
Tian smiled. “Do you need assistance with your bags?”
The pounding of feet on the jetway announced the arrival of police officers.
Tian two finger pointed behind Candace. “Chaz, please close the curtain for a moment. Mrs. Ogilvie and Mr. Johnson, if you wouldn’t mind moving back a bit?”
“Fine! I’ll go back to my seat.” The woman stood and clutched her dog.
“That is no longer an option. The captain has asked that you leave his ship.” Tian let the security officers by.
