CHAPTER 2 - THE RECOGNITION

The aircraft had an emergency landing at Fi City International Airport because of the incident that happened.

Soon as the airbus touches the ground, police, and security personnel along with the news media people are waiting for the crew to come out with the man who created the commotion in the air.

First to walk out the airplane gate is Enoch, holding the man by his arms with hands tied behind him. Followed by Nuala and the pilot who made the announcement earlier.

With blinding flashes of lights and microphones in front of them, they are bombarded with questions by the journalists. “What had actually happened?” and another question, “Is airport security not tight enough? How did the hijacker get a weapon inside the plane?”

Questions after questions but Enoch and the plane crew ignored them. But one of the journalists tugged Nuala from her sleeve and she was about to fall but the man in the army uniform is quick. Enoch instantly pushed the perpetrator to the security guard who escorted them and hooked his arm to Nuala’s stomach to keep her from falling to the ground.

Enoch snapped, with a deathly glare and angry voice, he shouted, “You!” pointing to the person who grabbed Nuala. “Are you intelligent enough to --” but he was cut by a firm hold of a smooth and soft hand to his forearm. Nuala stood properly and spoke, “All your questions are welcomed but you have to wait for the spokesperson to attend your queries.” She said with a composed but authoritative tone. Then they continue walking.

“Are you okay?” Enoch asked her.

Nuala nodded, “Yeah. Thank you.” But the truth is, her heart is still pounding because of all the trauma that had happened. Never in her imagination that she will experience a hijack.

He noticed her trembling hands. He patted her head to comfort her, “You are such a brave person.” Nuala was left speechless by his action.

In a small room, the perpetrator was held for questioning. “So, let’s get started. Why did you try to hijack the plane and how did you get the weapon?” asked the male police.

Gus Twali is crying and regretting the things he had done. “I’m so sorry officer. I just wanted to see my dying son.” He said weeping.

The female investigator showed him pity. “I understand that you wanted to see him. But why do you have to harm people just to see him? You know, all you have to do is get a ticket and fly directly to him.” she said.

“I know. But my in-laws don’t want me to be close to him.” he said. “Why?” asked the police. Then Gus Twali confessed. “My wife filed for a divorce because I lost my job..” showing the cops his scarred and deformed right arm and continued, “..because of the accident that happened to me. I wasn’t able to provide them the way I used to. Not long after the divorce, she died in a car accident and they pointed at me as the suspect but I was proven innocent..”

His eyes showed sorrow and pain, then he continued, “Since I was able to find a good job, my in-laws got full custody of my son. In their mind and heart, I was the one who killed their daughter so they took away my son.”

The investigators are listening to his story while he’s looking at his shoes, “Yesterday, I got a phone call from a friend and she told me that she saw my son in the intensive care unit.” This time, the regret in his tone was replaced by anger. “His head was smashed by a blunt object, said the nurse when my friend asked. I don’t know what happened to my son but I really want to see the person who did this to him behind bars!” he added.

The female investigator didn’t miss the anger in him. She took a deep breath and said, “I understand where you’re coming from, Gus, and I have the power and I promise that I am going to help you find out the truth about your son. But you know, you have to face the consequences of your sinful actions. One, you stole someone else’s flight ticket and two, you carried out a harmful act to other people.”

He nodded his head in understanding but he did not say anything.

Outside the room where the authorities kept the perpetrator for investigation, is a hall where a press conference is about to happen. Groups of journalists are waiting for the spokesperson to answer their every question. When the police finished questioning Gus Twali, they took him into the hall. With a ball-cap and now handcuffed hands.

A tall man wearing a black suit is standing on a platform in front of the media, ready to answer their every question.

“I am John Wilde, the spokesperson of Fi City International Airport and I would like to apologize for the unfortunate event that happened in Flight QR1211. Let’s not also forget to give recognition to these brave people, Flight Attendant Nuala Kawolski and Sergeant Enoch Smith who did their best to stop the hijacker from doing something far more horrifying.

As the spokesperson gives his speech, Nuala can’t help herself from cringing. “Isn’t this a little too much?” she muttered.

Enoch standing beside her vaguely heard what she said. “What?”

She looked at him with creased eyebrows, “That.” she whispered. “Isn’t showing his face is already enough. Why are they not covering his handcuffed hands?”

He was amazed at what she said. Her deep blue eyes are speaking for humanity. She’s not just brave, she also cares for the dignity of other people. Without talking back, he took off his uniform and put it on Gus Twali’s handcuffed hands to cover.

All of the people’s eyes are now focused on him, even Nuala. “What?” she asked almost inaudible. “Because you’re right.” Then he gave her a faint smile.

“Now, one question at a time.” Said John Wilde, the Fi City International Airport spokesperson.

One famous reporter asked, “What happened in Flight QR1211?” John Wilde answers each and every question being thrown at him. “How was he able to get inside the plane carrying a weapon? Is the security of the airport not strict enough? How will you secure every passenger’s safety after this incident?” asked another known reporter.

John Wilde anticipated this question and he’s prepared for it, “Yes, that is a lack on our end and we already reprimanded the personnel assigned at the entrance of the Ye International Airport. We will put more security personnel and will train them more rigorously. You will be sure that the safety of our passengers will be doubled to make them feel that they are protected with us.”

With that, the press conference ended. When Nuala noticed that Gus Twali would be taken by the police, she hurried to talk to him. “Mister Twali! My mother is Enya Riggs-Kawolski, and I will make sure that you will get the legal help you need.”

The crowd turned their heads when they heard what Nuala said and one of the reporters instantly asked her a question. “Your mother is Attorney Enya Riggs-Kawolski? That makes you the heiress of Kawolski Trading and Constructions!” And in an instant, flashes of camera lights blinded her.

She unknowingly grabbed Enoch’s rough left hand in fear. “Miss Kawolski! Can we interview you for our show?”

“Nuala! Nuala! Can you model for our magazine?” Question after question made her dizzy. Holding tightly at Enoch’s calloused hand she said, “I don’t like it here.” almost a whisper, but Enoch heard her words crystal clear.

“Nuala! Is he your boyfriend? How did you manage the low key life if you’re a multi-millionaire child?”

“Nuala! Nuala!” The reporters followed them until the boarding gate.

Enoch held her soft and small hand tightly while his right hand protected Nuala from further unwanted attention from the media.

As they got inside the plane, Enoch, still holding her hand was the first one to speak. “Get yourself water and calm down.” He said coldly but the concern is still evident.

“Thank you, and I’m sorry for grabbing your hand.” Nuala said as she looked at him. His glassy black eyes are mirroring her face clearly. Paired with thick but fine eyebrows and a shaved face but stubble beard traces are visible. For a second, she felt like his eyes were saying something to her but she couldn't figure it out.

His rugged, rough, and tough look is perfect. She was lost for words. “Am I that handsome?” He said with a faint smile on his face. But before Nuala could say anything else, he walked back to his seat.

Enoch straightens his collar and mumbled, “Ah, I’m so cool.”