They just felt the terror loosen its grip.
Over the ocean, a new voice came in on a separate channel.
“This is Eagle Lead,” it said. “Falcon One… we’ve got your wings.”
I didn’t close my eyes. I didn’t cry. I didn’t thank anyone.
But my throat tightened anyway.
Outside the cockpit window, two silver shapes slid into formation—sleek, fast, and close enough to make you feel their presence more than see it.
Stealth fighters.
Not threatening.
Guarding.
In the cabin, someone shouted, “Military planes!”
Phones lifted. People pressed faces to windows. A little boy screamed, “Look! They’re saving us!”
They thought help had arrived because the world is kind.
They didn’t know help had arrived because a ghost had spoken.
The co-pilot swallowed hard. “Who… who are you?”
I didn’t look at him.
“Someone who used to do this for a living,” I said.
