The Boy Who Took the Controls of Flight Seven Eight Two
First Officer Danny Cole survived the poisoning.
We visited him in the Dublin hospital two days later.
He was still weak, pale against the white hospital sheets, but he managed a small smile when we walked in.
“I heard what you did,” Cole whispered, his voice dry and raspy. “Both of you.”
“We had to,” I said. “You gave us the warning we needed.”
Cole reached out, his hand shaking slightly, and shook Malachi’s hand.
“Your father would have been proud, kid,” Cole said. “You’re a real pilot.”
Malachi nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Gerald Whitmore had already left on a private charter back to New York, his lawyers issuing a brief statement thanking the crew.
Dr. Thorne and Miller remained in Irish custody, awaiting their trial.
My career with the airline was over, and I knew I would never step onto a commercial aircraft again.
But as I walked out of the hospital with Malachi into the cool afternoon air, I felt a deep sense of relief.
The rain had finally stopped, and the grey clouds were beginning to part.
We walked down the quiet street together, leaving the flight behind us.