I’ve been singled out—why?
The woman stopped suddenly at a thick vinyl curtain and pushed it to one side. She ordered Zahra to put all her bags on a table and open them. Two young female officials in the small stuffy room stood to attention and exchanged glances when they saw Zahra’s escort. Zahra opened her handbag and unzipped her overnight bag. She heard the other women murmuring to each other as they examined make-up bags they’d confiscated.
‘How could she afford that stuff?’
‘Rich old husband,’ another giggled as she dumped a silver cosmetic bag into a large bin.
The heavy-set woman glared at them. ‘You two—get on with your work and mind your own business.’ She turned to Zahra. ‘Are you carrying any weapons or drugs?’
‘No, of course not,’ Zahra replied.
‘Yes or no is sufficient,
