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."
The words landed heavily between them. Kofi looked up, then glanced toward the surveillance camera. He had not expected the inspection to become a confrontation, and he was beginning to wonder why Amara reacted so strongly whenever David asked for documentation.
Amara set the evidence bag down with a sharp movement.
Officer Amara: "You need to stop acting as if you are in charge."
David Okafor: "I have never said I was in charge."
Officer Amara: "Your attitude says otherwise."
David Okafor: "My attitude is not the issue. The issue is the object you are accusing me of carrying."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Beyond the partition, a family passed with two small suitcases, and a boarding announcement echoed from the terminal speakers. The airport continued its ordinary morning routine, but the three people at the inspection table had become completely focused on one another.
Amara stepped closer to David.
Officer Amara: "I am giving you one last opportunity to cooperate without making this worse."
David remained where he was.
David Okafor: "I have been cooperating. I will continue to cooperate with a proper inspection. But I will not claim ownership of something that does not belong to me."
Officer Amara: "You are accusing an officer of misconduct."
David Okafor: "I am asking you to explain the evidence."
Officer Amara: "You know exactly what you're doing."
David Okafor: "Yes. I'm asking you to document what you say you found."
Amara's expression darkened. She turned toward Kofi as though expecting him to reinforce her authority.
Officer Amara: "Mensah, tell him to stop interfering."
Kofi hesitated.
Officer Kofi: "Sir, please remain behind the line while we clarify the inspection."
David Okafor: "I am behind the line. I haven't touched the evidence or either of you."
Officer Kofi: "I can see that."
Amara shot him a warning look.
Officer Amara: "You don't need to take his side."
Officer Kofi: "I'm not taking anyone's side. I'm asking him to remain where he is."
David nodded slightly, acknowledging Kofi's instruction.
David Okafor: "I have no intention of moving."
Amara turned back to him, visibly frustrated that the exchange had not produced the fear or confusion she seemed to expect.
Officer Amara: "You will answer my questions without challenging every statement I make."
David Okafor: "Then ask questions that help establish what happened."
Officer Amara: "Do you own an electric stun device?"
David Okafor: "No."
Officer Amara: "Have you ever owned one?"
David Okafor: "That is not relevant to where this particular device came from."
Officer Amara: "Answer the question."
David Okafor: "No, I do not own one."
Amara held his gaze, then looked down at the bag. Her fingers tightened around the plastic, producing a faint crinkling sound. David noticed that she kept lifting the object whenever she wanted to interrupt him, using its presence as though it ended the discussion.