“Then keep your mouth shut.”
A college student standing nearby slowly raised his phone.
I noticed him without turning my head.
Morrison noticed him too.
“Put that away,” he barked.
The student lowered the phone slightly but remained nearby.
Morrison pulled on a fresh pair of gloves.
“Arms out.”
I complied.
His pat-down was unnecessarily forceful.
He pressed hard against my shoulders and ribs, then shoved his hands against my waist with enough force to make me shift my footing.
“Stand still!”
“I am standing still.”
“Don't get smart with me.”
He moved behind me.
Then he leaned close to my ear.
“You're awfully calm for somebody who's about to get arrested.”
I kept my voice steady.
“Am I being accused of a crime?”
He chuckled.
“Not yet.”
A moment later, he whispered something that made my stomach tighten.
“What are you carrying? Cocaine? Heroin? Maybe something worse?”
I turned my head slightly.
“Officer, I have no illegal substances in my possession.”
“That's what they all say.”
The recorder secured beneath my clothing captured the exchange.
I had already documented his behavior toward other passengers.
Now I was documenting what happened when I became his target.
But I still had a decision to make.
I could reveal my identity immediately and possibly end the confrontation.
Or I could remain calm, follow lawful instructions, and let the record establish what was happening without interfering with the screening process.
I chose the second option.
Morrison stepped around me.
“Let's see what's in that fancy little briefcase.”
He reached toward the latch.
I spoke before he opened it.
“Officer, I'd like your supervisor present before you inspect the contents.”
His hand stopped.
He looked up.
“What did you say?”
“I am not refusing a lawful inspection. I'm requesting a supervisor and asking that any documents be handled in view of a witness.”
His face reddened.
“You don't make the rules here.”
“I understand that.”
“You think calling my boss is going to save you?”
“I would still like a supervisor.”
A silence formed around us.
Morrison glanced toward the line.
Several people were now openly watching.
He seemed to realize that backing down might make him look weak.
And Bradley Morrison hated looking weak.