Colorado Springs Airport was nearly empty.

Christmas music played over the speakers.

Roman carried Leo's car seat.

Norah noticed immediately.

“You don't have to.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Why?”

“Because he's heavy.”

“He weighs fourteen pounds.”

Roman glanced at her.

“He's extremely heavy.”

Norah laughed.

Actually laughed.

Roman stopped walking.

She noticed.

“What?”

“I haven't heard that in a year.”

Her smile disappeared.

“Don't.”

“Don't what?”

“Turn one normal moment into something it isn't.”

Roman nodded.

Fair.

His phone rang.

Carlo.

Roman answered.

“We traced it.”

“And?”

“Denver number. Burner. But we found traffic-camera footage around the pediatric clinic.”

“Who?”

“Brennan's crew.”

Roman stopped.

Norah saw his expression.

“What?”

Roman turned away.

“Carlo, get everyone away from Norah's destination.”

“Already moving.”

“No violence.”

Carlo paused.

“Boss?”

“You heard me.”

“They threatened your children.”

“And if we answer with bodies, this never ends.”

Carlo sounded genuinely confused.

“What are you saying?”

Roman looked through the glass at snow falling beyond the terminal.

“I’m saying arrange a meeting.”

“With Brennan?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

“Public place. Lawyers present.”

Norah stared.

Roman continued.

“We settle territory financially. Shipping routes, percentages, whatever makes this stop.”

“Roman, that's going to cost millions.”

“I have millions.”

“People will call it weakness.”

Roman looked at his children.

“Let them.”

He hung up.

Norah said nothing.

Roman walked toward her.

“What?”

“You've never said that before.”

“What?”

“Let them think you're weak.”

Roman looked toward Isabella.

“I didn't have anything worth being weak for before.”

Norah's eyes softened, but only slightly.

“You can't change one night and expect me to trust you.”

“I don't.”

“Good.”

“I expect to earn it.”

That stopped her.

Roman picked up the diaper bag.

“Where are we staying?”

“We?”

“Yes.”

“There is no we.”

“Fine. Where are you staying?”

Norah hesitated.

“Airport hotel.”

Roman nodded.

“Then I'll take another room.”

She blinked.

“You aren't coming inside mine?”

“No.”

“You aren't putting guards outside?”

“No.”

“You aren't taking the twins?”

Roman looked almost offended.

“They need their mother.”

Norah stared at him.

“And their father?” she asked.

Roman didn't answer immediately.

Finally:

“If you'll let them have one.”

---