Chapter III: The Call from the Terminal Floor
Brenda let out a cold scoff, snatching the lanyard from Tommy’s hands and turning to signal security.
Behind her, the elderly man on the floor slowly set down the half-empty water bottle. The fragile, helpless posture vanished entirely. His piercing gray eyes sharpened into a look of absolute, commanding authority.
Reaching inside the inner lining of his ragged brown coat, he pulled out a sleek, titanium smartphone.
He pressed a single button, held the receiver to his ear, and spoke with calm, unmistakable power:
"This is Arthur Bennett."
The executive assistant on the other end answered instantly, her voice trembling over the line: "Mr. Bennett! The entire board of the Transit & Rail Corporation has been in an emergency session waiting for your announcement!"
Arthur looked up at Tommy's compassionate, resolute face, then turned his gaze toward Brenda's sneering profile.
"Tell them I've made my decision."