His rights did not depend on being pleased with my behavior.

Nor did the girls’ needs depend on my willingness to agree about a house.

My lawyer had already explained that these matters could not be settled by a threat made beside baggage claim.

“Talk to my lawyer,” I said.

He gave a short laugh.

“Your lawyer?”

The man in the gray suit was close enough now that I could see the thickness of the envelope.

“Yes,” I said.