Chapter 45: The shootout

She handed him another sheet of paper. “This is an American Airlines passenger manifest.” Her voice was getting more and more steady. She was gaining confidence. The arrest couldn’t be far behind. “The plane this came from traveled from New York to Chicago, then continued on to Los Angeles. Two days later, a Monet is stolen from the art museum where we met.”

“What’s your point, Jessica?” He looked at her. Stalling would only work so much longer. He’d have to act soon, before her backup moved in to arrest him. Or, at least, to try. “I was on that flight. You saw me get on.”

“I know I did, Michael.” She took a deep breath. “I saw you get on the flight to Chicago. And, if you look right there on the passenger list, you are, in fact, on the flight to Chicago.” She handed him another list. “However, on this passenger list, the one from Chicago to Los Angeles, your name is absent.”

He didn’t take his eyes off her. “I had a layover.”