The Last Time

I don't scare easily, after all I am a taxi driver. I do spend a good deal of time in or around airports though, and there is a new fear or caution that lurks in the back of my mind.

I was at SFO in the baggage claim area for American Airlines when I noticed a man staring at my Yellow Cab badge. He set a black bag down at my feet and said, "I'll be back." (Without the accent) as he turned and sprinted up the stairs.

The man didn't look like a cold-blooded terrorist. He was tall, thin, a dressed in blue jeans and t-shirt 30ish good-looking black man. After what were only a few minutes that felt longer, he returned; removed his backpack and placed it next to the bag. Again he went upstairs.

I did not appreciate being an unwilling accomplice to a possibly explosive situation, but he didn't look like a bad guy. Did he?

I had just about had it with the guy, and was about to walk away when he reappeared.
Digging into the backpack, he pulled out a small black computer. He set it on a chair, grabbed his other stuff and walked around the corner leaving me to go up in flames.

No loud boom and I didn't vaporize. Suddenly standing next to me, he said in a soft nearly inaudible voice, "Thanks" as he left for the last time with his final possession.

Why hadn't I said something to begin with? Why didn't I tell him, "Sorry, but you can't do that." I need to get over being polite, because the next time might be...might be the last time.