Chapter 2 – Extract 15 from The Paradise Induction! 

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The tall guy left and he sent the female security staff member in. All of them were still giggling.

“Okay sir, are you alright?” she said.

“Yep, have to be, right?”

“So where are you travelling to?”

“The Pharisee Islands.”

“Oh that sounds nice. If you could please replace everything in your bag, you’re free to go.”

“Sure, I said.” I stepped out the glass box and walked towards a table where my bag and belongings were strewn across. I began putting my items back in my bag and pockets.

“Are you okay?” she said.

“Yeah, of course,” I replied. “I feel like I’ve been abused, but that’s all.”

She laughed. The tall guy did not.

“Maybe lightly verbally abused,” she said.

”Yeah. I understand it’s procedure though, so I’m okay. But, I do have to ask one thing. This isn’t random, is it?”

She smiled. “We have to tell everyone they’re random.”

“Please, just be honest. It isn’t, is it?”

“Well, it’s not because your black if that’s-”

“No, no, no,” I said. “That’s not what I’m thinking.”

“Oh, that’s what most black men say when they get called in.”

“No. In fact, I was wondering if maybe it was because I’m wearing this suit.”

“Why would it be because your wearing a suit? I think you look good. You’re very well dressed.”

“Thanks, I just thought maybe I’m considered a drug dealer or something.”

She laughed. ‘Well, you’re the best dressed drug dealer I’ve seen. What’s a handsome guy like yourself travelling alone for anyway?” 

I grinned.

“See, that’s better. You have a really nice smile,” she said. “Next time, try not to be so serious. It isn’t random, but I can’t tell you the criteria. I’m not authorised. Sorry.”

“That’s understandable,” I said. “At least you’re honest.”

I picked up my bag. “Thanks very much,” I said, addressing her. “And thank you,” I added, looking the tall guy in the eye.

He nodded, maintaining a serious face, then turned back to his friends to laugh.

She looked at my passport again and handed it back. “Thank you very much for your cooperation Christopher Charles,” she said with a grin.

“Thank you,” I said.

I walked through into the waiting area for my next flight to San Juan and shoved the bitterness from my mind.

I’m going to the Caribbean, I thought. Paradise. Things are going to be much better. Black people will be nicer and more relaxed there. There’s nothing to worry about.

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