Before Croft could finish his sentence, the heavy frosted doors of the VIP operations wing parted.
Sprinting down the concourse in tailored black suits, surrounded by four armed airport police captains, were the Chief Executive Officer and the Managing Board of the Riverside Aviation Authority.
Croft’s eyes lit up with misguided confidence. He stepped forward to intercept them: "Director Vance! Perfect timing! I’ve just suspended an insubordinate cleaner and detained a vagrant—"
Director Vance shoved Croft aside without breaking stride.
In front of a silent, breathless crowd of travelers, the Director and three vice presidents dropped immediately to one knee before the elderly man seated on the floor, bowing their heads in complete, terrified reverence.
"Chairman Arthur Bennett!" the Director gasped, his hands trembling. "Sir! Your private flight landed forty minutes ago—we had no idea you were inspecting the public concourse on foot!"
Chapter V: The Final Verdict
Croft froze solid. The blood completely drained from his face, leaving his skin paper-white as his jaw fell open.
Arthur Bennett.