Chapter 4
The predawn air at Teterboro Airport was biting, carrying the sharp scent of jet fuel and damp asphalt. Julian kept his collar turned up against the wind as he stepped out of his black sedan, his eyes scanning the private aviation terminal. Across the tarmac, a sleek white Gulfstream sat idling on the runway, its turbine engines whining softly in the dark.
Beside him, Marcus adjusted his briefcase. "Judge Vance’s clerk just emailed the emergency writ. It’s legally binding for the next twelve hours. We have the authority to take custody of Leo pending a full guardianship hearing."
"Let's move," Julian said.
They bypassed the main terminal security using corporate clearance credentials Julian still maintained as a former board member of the aviation group. Walking briskly across the tarmac, the wind whipped Julian’s dark hair across his forehead. Through the reinforced glass doors of the private boarding lounge, he saw him: Leo. The fourteen-year-old was sitting rigidly on a leather sofa, his dark hair messy, clutching a battered leather duffel bag. Standing over him was a towering private security guard in a dark suit, whispering instructions with a menacing stoop.
Julian didn't hesitate. He strode through the glass doors, the heavy latch clicking behind him.
"Leo!" Julian called out.
The boy’s head snapped up, his eyes widening in sheer disbelief and hope. "Dad!"
Before Leo could stand, the security guard stepped directly into Julian’s path, holding up a heavy palm. "Mr. Vance, I advise you to step back. We have valid travel authorization signed by Mrs. Vance."
Julian didn't waste time arguing. He pulled the folded legal document from his breast pocket and shoved it firmly against the guard's chest. "Federal emergency stay of removal. Read it and weep, pal. If you touch my son again, I’ll have your license revoked before breakfast."
Marcus stepped up beside Julian, flashing his bar association badge with practiced authority. The guard blinked, his eyes scanning the judicial seal at the bottom of the page. The intimidation vanished from the guard's face, replaced by the pragmatic calculation of an employee who wasn't getting paid enough to commit federal contempt.
Leo broke away from the couch, running across the carpet and throwing his arms around his father’s waist. Julian dropped to one knee, wrapping his arms tightly around his eldest son, burying his face in the boy's heavy winter jacket.
May you like
"You came," Leo choked out, his voice cracking with emotion.
"I told you I would," Julian whispered fiercely, pulling back to look into his son’s eyes. "Nobody is taking you anywhere."
