Evelyn slowly pushed herself up from the cold floor. Her hands were shaking, but the tears on her face were already starting to dry.
She pulled a small black smartphone from her red coat pocket. She tapped the screen twice.
Evelyn: He's moving toward Gate 14. Execute the order now.
A calm, professional voice replied through her earpiece.
Attorney Vance: Everything is in place, Evelyn. Federal marshals are already standing at the jetway.
Evelyn: Make sure he doesn't step on that plane.
Attorney Vance: He won't. The red notice was logged into the airport security database two minutes ago.
Down the concourse, Marcus dragged Leo toward the gate agent's podium. Leo was still crying softly, wiping his nose with the sleeve of his blue jacket.
Marcus: Stop sniveling, Leo. You're a Sterling. You're coming to London, and that is final.
Leo: I want my mommy! You hit my mommy!
Marcus: Your mother is a penniless nobody. She has no rights to you anymore.
Marcus slapped two first-class passports onto the counter.
Marcus: Marcus Sterling and Leo Sterling. Checking in for Flight 402 to London.
The gate agent scanned the passports. Suddenly, a bright red warning box flashed across her computer monitor.
The agent's eyes widened. She quietly pressed a button under her desk.
Gate Agent: Sir, please hold on one moment while I verify your boarding passes.
Marcus: Verify? What is there to verify? Look at the ticket! It's a full-fare first-class seat!
Gate Agent: Sir, it's just a routine system check. Please step to the side.
Marcus: This is absurd! Do you know who I am? I am the vice president of Sterling Global Investments!
Leo: Mister, please help me! He took me away from my mom!
Marcus grabbed Leo's shoulder roughly, pulling him close.
Marcus: Be quiet, Leo!
Four armed airport security officers stepped out from behind the service door, surrounding Marcus from all sides.
Security Officer 1: Marcus Sterling? Step away from the child and keep your hands where we can see them.
Marcus: What is the meaning of this?! I am traveling with my son!
Security Officer 1: Sir, we have an active federal warrant for international parental kidnapping and child abduction.
Marcus took a step back, his face turning pale.
Marcus: Kidnapping?! That's impossible! I am his biological father!
Security Officer 2: Step away from the boy, sir. Right now.
The sound of heels clicking against the tile floor made Marcus turn his head. Evelyn was walking down the hallway, flanked by a tall man carrying a thick leather briefcase.