But I couldn’t risk it.

I looked at the tiny bundle in her arms.

Leo was sleeping, his breathing shallow and even.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“Let me get on the plane,” Margaret said. “Just me and the boy.”

“I can’t do that,” I said.

“Then we all stay here,” she said.

The sound of sirens began to echo in the distance.

High, wailing tones cutting through the storm.

Margaret’s eyes widened.

She looked at the hangar doors, then back at me.

“You’re running out of time, Margaret,” Sophia said.

“I don’t care,” Margaret said.

She raised the syringe, her fingers trembling slightly as she positioned the needle over the blanket.

“Mom, stop!” Caleb screamed, lunging toward her.

He grabbed her arm.

“Get off me!” she shrieked.

The syringe fell from her hand, shattering on the concrete.

I didn’t hesitate.

I lunged forward, covering the distance between us in two strides.

I grabbed Margaret’s wrists, forcing her away from the baby.

Caleb pulled her back, his face pale with terror.

“Get him, Daniel!” Caleb yelled.

I snatched Leo from her arms.