She could do this

She could do this

September 29, 2024

All she had to do was remain calm. The pain would eventually subside. A splash of water on her face, an air of dignity in her presentation, and she would collect her cash.

Violet had three people in front of her at customs. They were taking forever to answer questions and show their documentation. The agents, police, and TSA personnel were having their patience tried. This was making her worry. She took a deep breath and adopted the manner of a tourist who might miss a connection.

Finally. Violet moved to the front of the line and had her paperwork ready. The nylon retrieval lines interwoven through the drilled holes in her teeth became a surrogate for her first missing baby’s tooth years before. She subconsciously ran her tongue across the surface, constantly checking the security. She was hungry. She was thirsty. But, her stomach had no remaining volume for food. Not until she cleared security. That would be in a few more hours.

The customs agent asked for her passport and another ID. She rolled her eyes and presented him with her driver’s license. She fidgeted with her fake wedding ring, exposing the untanned ban under its surface. It was a small touch that added credibility to her story.

He loved asking questions, all sorts of questions. Eyes fell on her answers. Possibly to see if she had a tell. Possibly to ask more questions. The drug dog remained calm during the process. At least she thought it was a drug sniffing dog. Might have been for some other purpose.

She reached out to pet it. The dog snarled at her encroaching hand. She quickly pulled back and said, “Mea culpa.” No one laughed.

They told her to step aside and wait. The minutes turned to an hour. It was as if they forgot she existed even though they could see her standing right there. Now, her feet ached from her heels. She began to take them off when the agent told her emphatically, “No!”

She had enough. She flipped him the bird. She flipped them all off. The others waiting in line did so also.

It was a challenge to their authority. It also was a signal for the person who really held the reigns of power to call the presiding agent to cut her loose.

She was not worth the trouble.

The filet mignon tasted better than before. Violet made contact with her handler and he pulled each drug pouch from her stomach. The smell of vomit and the subsequent dry heaving for the next hour made her feel wretched. But, the thought of the money ($60000 US) and what she could do with it (the fine dining) made her feel better.

They wanted her to lay low. Go take a class or be seen at Disney World. They would call again just before Christmas. The demand for designer drugs would be high enough to warrant the risk and thus the pay.

As she savored her steak and red wine, she knew she could do this.

Again and again.

All she had to do was remain calm.