Officer Amara: "Passengers always become very cooperative when we discover something suspicious."
David Okafor: "Then you should have no difficulty documenting what you discovered."
Kofi shifted his position slightly. He glanced at the evidence bag, then at the suitcase, where David's clothes and personal belongings had been moved during the inspection. He had heard passengers deny ownership of suspicious items before, and he knew that some accusations were eventually confirmed. He also knew that an officer's claim was not a substitute for a properly documented inspection.
Amara, however, seemed less interested in documenting the discovery than in forcing David to accept her interpretation of it.
Officer Amara: "Do you know what this device can do?"
David Okafor: "I know what you're showing me. I don't know how it got into my suitcase."
Officer Amara: "Are you carrying it for someone else?"
David Okafor: "No."
Officer Amara: "Did somebody ask you to transport it?"
David Okafor: "No."
Officer Amara: "Then why is it in your luggage?"
David looked at her for several seconds.
David Okafor: "That's exactly what I want you to investigate."
The answer appeared to irritate her. Amara lowered the bag and placed it beside the suitcase, but she kept one hand close to it. Rather than explain the inspection procedure, she began asking David about his destination, his travel arrangements, and whether anyone had handled his belongings before he reached the checkpoint.
David answered each question as clearly as he could. He explained that he had packed his own suitcase and had not knowingly carried an electric stun device. When he asked whether the item would be tested or photographed, Amara dismissed the questions as unnecessary.
Officer Amara: "You are not here to supervise my work."
David Okafor: "I'm not trying to supervise you. I want the record to be accurate."
Officer Amara: "The record will reflect what I determine is relevant."
David's expression hardened.
David Okafor: "That sounds like you've already decided what happened."
For the first time, Kofi looked directly at Amara. Her shoulders stiffened, and she turned toward David with a look of open irritation. The conversation had stopped being a simple exchange about an unidentified object. It had become a contest over whether David would accept an accusation without being given a meaningful explanation.
Officer Amara: "You need to watch how you speak to me."
David Okafor: "I have spoken to you respectfully from the beginning."
Officer Amara: "Respect includes following instructions."
David Okafor: "I have followed every instruction you have given me."
Amara gestured toward the suitcase.
Officer Amara: "Then stop questioning the discovery and answer what you're asked."
David looked briefly toward the ceiling. A surveillance camera was mounted above the inspection table, its dark lens pointed toward the area where the officers were standing. Another camera covered the corridor beyond the glass partition. He had noticed them when he entered, but until that moment he had not considered how important their recordings might become.
David returned his attention to Amara.
David Okafor: "Is this inspection being recorded?"
Officer Amara: "The airport has security cameras."
David Okafor: "Then the footage should show what happened."
Officer Amara: "The cameras are there for airport security, not for passengers who want to argue."
David Okafor: "I'm not asking to control the cameras. I'm asking you to preserve the footage."
Amara gave a short, dismissive laugh.
Officer Amara: "You think you understand how this works?"
David Okafor: "I understand that an object appearing in my suitcase doesn't automatically prove that I brought it here."
Kofi looked down at the table. He was becoming uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, especially because David had not attempted to grab the evidence, move the suitcase, or approach either officer. He remained behind the marked line and continued asking questions.
Amara picked up the transparent bag again.
Officer Amara: "This is a prohibited device. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing serious consequences."
David Okafor: "Then establish the circumstances before you accuse me."
Officer Amara: "You are already being investigated."
David Okafor: "For something I have told you I did not bring?"
Officer Amara: "For something found in your luggage."
David Okafor: "Found by you, during a search I cannot see clearly, without an explanation of where the item was located."
Amara stared at him.
David Okafor: "Please tell me whether you photographed it before removing it. Tell me whether Officer Mensah saw it in the same place you claim to have found it. Tell me how the discovery is being documented."
Officer Amara: "You ask too many questions."
David Okafor: "Those are reasonable questions."
Officer Amara: "You are making this difficult."
David Okafor: "It would be easier if you answered me."