The Search
The security guard completed the search of the man ahead and gestured for Lewis to approach.
It was concealed within the pack of cigarettes.
Lewis set his briefcase on the ground and raised his arms. The guard performed a pat-down, then cast a glance at the briefcase. "Open it," the guard said, in a thick French accent.
Lewis swiftly lifted the briefcase and unlatched it.
Using a finger, the guard shifted a paper in the briefcase, revealing a brown envelope beneath. Then he motioned for Lewis to proceed.
Relief washed over Lewis. He closed the briefcase and began walking, maintaining an outward appearance of calm. His thoughts were already focused on the next hurdle when he heard the guard say, "Stop!"
He halted and looked back. The guard signaled for him to return.
Lewis's heart raced as the guard’s hands made contact with his jacket. The search was thorough, as if the guard was convinced Lewis had something on him.
Again, the guard waved Lewis through.
As Lewis headed towards the building, he glanced down at the cigarette pack in his left hand. Keeping it visible was indeed a clever idea.
Copyright © 2017 Babatunde Olayiwola. All rights reserved. This story was previously published on my former blog.
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo from Pexels
