"Everything. The false identification assumption, the physical contact, the documents being kicked across the floor, and the statements made by the executives."
"Understood."
Naomi ended the call.
When she turned around, Richard was standing behind her.
"Are we finished with the phone calls?"
Naomi slipped the phone into her coat.
"Not remotely."
Richard's patience had reached its limit.
He had expected the transaction to be complicated, but he had not expected the buyer to challenge him in his own facility.
He had also not expected her to question the maintenance department in front of his executives.
The situation was becoming dangerous.
He knew about the maintenance discrepancies.
He knew that certain documents had been altered.
But he believed the problems were manageable.
The aircraft were valuable, the company had customers, and the buyer was expected to transfer enough money to resolve the immediate financial pressure.
Once the transaction closed, Richard planned to reorganize the business, move certain liabilities into separate subsidiaries, and negotiate new financing.
He believed he could manage the details later.
What he had not anticipated was Naomi discovering the inconsistencies before the funds arrived.
He approached her.
"Ms. Brooks, I'd like to apologize for the confusion earlier."
Naomi looked at him.
"Which part?"
Richard frowned.
"The misunderstanding about your identity."
"That's one part."
"And the unfortunate interaction with security."
"That's another."
"And the comments made by my colleagues."
"That's three."
Richard forced a smile.
"I think we can agree that this morning has been less than ideal."
Naomi said nothing.
"However, I would prefer that we focus on the commercial opportunity."
"Why?"
"Because this agreement benefits both companies."
"Does it?"
"Absolutely."
"Your company receives seven hundred and seventy million dollars."
"And Northstar receives fourteen exceptional aircraft and a substantial operating platform."
"Provided the assets are accurately represented."
"They are."
"Then you won't object to an independent technical audit."
Richard hesitated.
"An independent audit?"
"Yes."
"We've already completed one."
"By a company selected by Sterling."
"That's standard practice."
"Not for this transaction."
Richard's smile faded.
"How long would that take?"
"Until we have verified the records."
"That could take weeks."
"Then it will take weeks."
"Ms. Brooks, with respect, we have creditors waiting."
Naomi looked at him.
"That isn't my responsibility."
Richard leaned closer.
"Without this transaction, Sterling could face serious financial consequences."
"Then perhaps you should have managed your finances differently."
His face reddened.
"You don't understand the pressure we're under."
"I understand it perfectly."
"Then you should understand why we need to close."
Naomi paused.
"You're asking me to ignore discrepancies in the aircraft records because your company needs money."
"I'm asking you to recognize the commercial realities."
"And I'm asking you to recognize the legal realities."
Richard stared at her.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Naomi said something that made him visibly uncomfortable.
"Do you know what my father used to say about aircraft?"
Richard did not answer.
"He said that a plane can have the most beautiful exterior in the world, but the sky doesn't care how much money was spent on its paint."
She looked toward the aircraft.
"The sky only cares whether the machine is safe."
Richard scoffed.
"Your father?"
"Yes."
"What did he do?"
"He was an aircraft maintenance engineer."
Richard looked briefly surprised.
Naomi continued.
"He spent thirty years making sure that passengers could trust the machines they boarded."
She turned back toward him.
"That's why I am asking these questions."
Richard gave a small, irritated laugh.
"Well, I'm sure he was a fine man."
"He was."
"But this is a business transaction, Ms. Brooks. Not a family discussion."
Naomi's expression became colder.
"You're right."
She picked up her phone.
"And that's why we're not proceeding until every document is verified."
At 10:38 a.m., Robert Lang returned.
He carried a thick brown envelope.
Richard saw it immediately.
"What's that?"
"Original work orders."
Richard's expression changed.
"I told you to leave those in the office."
Robert stopped.
Naomi stepped toward him.
"May I see them?"
Robert nodded.
He handed her the envelope.
Inside were maintenance records, component inspection sheets, handwritten notes, and copies of internal emails.
Naomi began reviewing them.
Several pages contained dates that did not match the official aircraft histories.
One document was particularly troubling.
It was a work order for aircraft N724SG, dated twenty-three months earlier.
The document stated that the engine had been removed for inspection, but there was no record of a replacement.
A separate handwritten note indicated that a temporary component had been installed.
Naomi turned another page.
There was a signature.
Martin Hale.
She looked up.
"Mr. Hale?"
Martin did not respond.
"Did you authorize this?"
Richard interrupted.
"Those documents are internal company records."
Naomi ignored him.
Martin looked uncomfortable.
"I was asked to process the paperwork."
"By whom?"
"Mr. Voss."
Richard stepped forward.
"That's enough."
Martin swallowed.
"I was told the final documentation would be completed later."
"Was it?"
"No."
"Then why did you approve the final asset schedule?"
Martin looked toward Richard.
Richard's voice became sharp.
"Because the technical department confirmed the aircraft was operational."
Robert shook his head.
"I never confirmed that."