“We need to move,” I called toward the cockpit.

Captain Marcus was already in the flight management computer when I leaned into the cockpit.

“They’re trying to block us,” I said. “I need wheels up as fast as you can safely give it to me.”

Through the windscreen we both watched the white security vehicle slide sideways across the asphalt, tires smoking, angling for our nose gear.

“Sir, if I move without a clearance the tower pulls my license,” Marcus said, hands hovering over the throttles. “And I am not rolling this airplane anywhere I can’t see is empty.”

“Then look,” I said. “But if that lane is clear, I need you to take it. There are two children on this airplane and the men in that car filed a court order to take them.”