At 12:17 a.m., I watched my daughter-in-law secretly unzip my suitcase and slip a black pouch inside. Then she whispered into her phone, “It’s in her carry-on. Tell airport security at six.”

I passed it to my attorney.

I never responded.

That evening, I watched the sunset from my sister’s balcony, breathing air scented with rain and pine trees.

Brittany had wanted to portray me as helpless.

Instead, she’d reminded me of something I’d almost forgotten.

I’d devoted my life to protecting others from criminals.

And I was entirely capable of protecting myself.