The union had lawyers who dealt with malicious reports.

If I went to them first, before any report was filed, I could establish a paper trail of the extortion.

“Mr. Collins?” the voice on the phone said.

“I’m here,” I said.

“We have an available provider named Sarah,” she said. “She can be there in forty minutes.”

“Send her,” I said. “Have her bring the standard contract.”

“Very well,” she said. “We will charge the card on file.”

“Thank you,” I said.

I hung up the phone and took a deep breath.

The air in my lungs felt tight.

I walked back into the bright light of the lobby.

Linda was standing near the luggage trolley, her purse tucked under her arm.

“Well?” Linda asked.

“They can stay for one night,” I said.

Hannah smiled, a quick flash of relief crossing her face.

“Oh, Mark, thank you—” she started.

“Do not thank me,” I said, cutting her off.

“They are staying under my terms,” I said. “Not yours.”

Linda narrowed her eyes. “What does that mean?”

“I have hired a professional supervisor,” I said. “She will be here in forty minutes.”