The oldest, Toby, was staring at his shoes, his shoulders hunched.

The youngest was clutching a plastic toy, chewing on its blue wing.

“I will do whatever it takes to protect my family,” Linda said.

“This isn’t protection,” I said. “This is blackmail.”

“It is a family arrangement,” she said.

Hannah finally took a step forward, her sandals clicking on the polished terrazzo floor.

“Mark, please,” Hannah whispered. “Just take them. It’s only for a little while.”

“A little while?” I asked. “Luke is in Costa Rica, Hannah. You have a suitcase packed.”

“We need a break,” Hannah said.

Her eyes were red around the rims, but there was no softness in them.

“We are drowning,” Hannah said.

“So you decide to drown me instead?” I asked.

Linda stepped between us again, reclaiming the space.

“It takes only one phone call,” Linda said.

“I will give them your flight number for tomorrow morning,” she said.

My heart hammered against my ribs, right beneath my brass pilot wings.

“They will pull you off the aircraft,” she said.

“They will conduct a drug test,” I said, my voice rising slightly. “And I will pass it.”