Ethan nodded.
"Yes."
Alexander smiled.
"Tell me about him again."
Ethan carefully touched the old leather handle.
"My father used to say that you should never judge a person's future by the condition of their shoes."
Alexander laughed softly.
"That sounds like something a wise man would say."
"He believed that people who worked honestly deserved respect, regardless of what they owned."
Ethan paused.
"He bought this bag when I was a child. It was already old when he gave it to me."
Alexander looked at it.
"Why did he give it to you?"
"Because I was leaving for college. He said I should take something that reminded me of home."
Ethan smiled.
"He told me that I could replace almost anything in life, but I should never replace my values."
Alexander became quiet.
He understood.
The bag was not valuable because of its leather.
It was valuable because of the memories attached to it.
Inside one of its smaller pockets, Ethan kept a folded photograph.
It showed his father standing outside a small repair shop.
Beside him was a younger Ethan.
They were both smiling.
Ethan occasionally looked at that photograph before important meetings.
It reminded him to remain humble.
That afternoon, he had brought the bag because he wanted to honor his father's memory during the acquisition ceremony.
He had no idea that the same bag would lead to such an unpleasant encounter.
Alexander looked at the photograph.
"Your father sounds like a remarkable man."
"He was."
Ethan carefully placed it back inside the pocket.
Then he zipped the bag.
CHAPTER 9: THE SECURITY GUARD'S PAST
Meanwhile, Brandon sat inside the security office.
Laura was reviewing the incident report.
She had already spoken to Kevin and several witnesses.
The evidence was clear.
Brandon had not simply requested a security inspection.
He had made personal comments about Ethan's appearance and attempted to intimidate him.
Laura closed the report.
"Brandon, do you understand why we're having this conversation?"
Brandon sighed.
"I understand that Mr. Bennett is upset."
"That's not what I asked."
Brandon looked at her.
Laura continued.
"Your job is to protect the building and its visitors. You are not employed to decide which customers deserve respect."
Brandon crossed his arms.
"I was being cautious."
"Then why did you mock his appearance?"
Brandon did not answer.
Laura leaned back.
"Has this happened before?"
He looked away.
She continued.
"We've received complaints about how you speak to visitors."
Brandon became defensive.
"People complain about everything."
"Perhaps. But several complaints describe similar behavior."
Brandon sighed.
He was beginning to realize that the situation could affect his employment.
He finally spoke.
"I didn't think he was important."
Laura looked at him.
"That's the problem."
Brandon frowned.
"What?"
"You assumed that someone who looked ordinary couldn't be important."
She paused.
"Even if he had been an ordinary customer with no money, that would not justify your behavior."
Brandon looked down.
Laura continued.
"Security is not about intimidating people. It's about keeping everyone safe while treating everyone fairly."
For several seconds, Brandon said nothing.
Then he quietly asked:
"Am I going to lose my job?"
Laura answered honestly.
"That decision will depend on the investigation and the company's disciplinary procedures."