If I found myself in that situation that is what I would have done. The story just drones and drones and it seems kind of fishy. If the Fight Attendent said the Captain was worried, he would have announced that all passengers need to return to their seats and fasten there belts due to possible severe turbulence. Then the alledeged Air Marshalls that were all over the plane could keep a watchful eye.
I'll be perfectly honest. I don't believe the story.
I'm with you - the story reads like Grisham thriller. It's really edited and spun to create drama, rather than a news story.