I needed a buffer.

I needed a witness.

I dialed the number, my back turned to the lobby.

The phone rang three times before a woman answered.

“Miami Care Associates,” she said. “How can I help you tonight?”

“I need an emergency overnight provider,” I said, keeping my voice down. “For four children.”

“Are they currently at your location?” she asked.

“They are in the lobby of my building,” I said. “I need someone here within the hour.”

“We have a supervisor on call,” she said. “It will be a premium rate.”

“I don’t care about the rate,” I said. “I need someone licensed, bonded, and willing to sign a logbook.”

“Let me check the registry,” she said.

While the line went quiet, I looked over my shoulder.

Linda was whispering to Hannah.

Hannah was nodding, her face still pale but determined.

They thought they had won.

They thought the threat of the FAA report had broken my boundaries.

They did not know I was already planning my defense.

I needed to clear my schedule for tomorrow.

I needed to contact my union representative before Linda could even draft an email.