I took my phone out of my pocket.

The email from the airline’s legal department was still waiting.

I tapped the screen to open it.

*Dear Captain Collins,* the email began.

*Regarding the anonymous allegations of professional misconduct filed against you on October 14th.*

My mother, Linda, had filed those complaints.

She had tried to destroy my career to force me to comply with her demands.

I read the next paragraph.

*Our internal investigation team has fully cleared you of all allegations.*

*The IP address used to submit the false reports has been traced to a residence registered to Linda Collins.*

*Because this constitutes a coordinated attempt at professional extortion, the airline is taking this matter seriously.*

*We have retained the services of Sarah Vance, a senior partner specializing in domestic extortion and harassment.*

*Ms. Vance will contact you tomorrow morning to discuss filing a counter-suit and obtaining a permanent restraining order.*

I stared at the screen.

The knot in my chest loosened slightly.

The airline had my back.

My mother’s attempt to ruin me had failed.

Just then, my phone began to ring.