Rushing through the terminal in rapid, synchronized strides was Captain Thomas Vance—the chief pilot of the transatlantic flight, dressed in full four-stripe captain dress blues, accompanied by the regional director of airport operations.
Richard’s eyes lit up with mistaken relief. "Captain! Perfect timing. Your desk attendant is stalling VIP boarding for this wanderer—"
Captain Vance didn't even acknowledge Richard.
The captain walked straight past the corporate executive, stopped right in front of the elderly man with the canvas duffel bag, removed his officer cap, and wrapped his arms around him in a tight, reverent embrace.
"Dad," Captain Vance said with deep emotion. "You made it in time. We've been waiting to clear the flight manifest for you."
Chapter IV: The Master of the Fleet
Richard stood paralyzed, the breath catching in his throat.