Bridge of Spies

Well that was how it felt to me before I made the exchange. A handover really, not an exchange because the other party had already completed their side of the deal (paying) and all I had to do was pass an unmarked package across. It was ridiculous that I should be nervous about it but I was and actually nearly called it off but P persuaded me not to and apologised for winding me up.

All I was doing was delivering some of my implements to a customer who'd asked if they could collect from me instead of waiting for the delivery service. He explained he lives in the same county and I could see from his address that he was not far from our local town, which I visit several times a week, so I agreed and we set a time and place which was a large store with easy parking.

Now all that seems straightforward. But then my husband got wind of it and started pulling my leg about secrecy and identity, and should I wear a red carnation or something like they do in old spy movies, or leave the package next to a designated waste bin etc etc. I told him to shut up and stop being silly. Then the BBC showed some clips from an investigative programme they'd done, where journalists posed as purchasers to expose some dodgy number plate sellers, catching them on camera and broadcasting it. P said what about if they're looking into the kinky sex industry, exposing participants, looking to ask questions on camera, what would I do then? I told him not to be so ridiculous. Then he said better make sure there's nobody hanging around with cameras before you approach. I knew it was stupid and highly unlikely and there's nothing illegal in what I do anyway but....the publicity I would never live down.

So the morning of the 'exchange' I was nervous and P could see it. He told me not to stress out, it was just a bit of fun and there was nothing at all wrong with what I was doing. He even offered to deliver for me but I wouldn't let him so he said he'd at least come into town with me so he'd be nearby. We were early and I had to visit a card shop so I did that first, P went off on his own. When I left the card shop and made my way over to the store I was still nervous, then my phone rang. It was P, he'd spotted my customer exactly where we'd agreed to meet, perfectly normal looking, nobody else hanging around, no problem. I hadn't expected that and it relieved me, I entered the store and spotted my customer right away, he also spotted me because of the package I was carrying and we both smiled, he took possession, thanked me and was off. My phone went again, it was P, he was across the other side of the store, he'd been watching. He was at my side before I'd put my phone away and we walked back to the car.

"You didn't tell me you were going to do that," I said.

"You didn't think I was going to let you expose yourself to some stranger on your own, did you?" And he patted my bum.

"Bastard," I said. "Nice one though but I wish you hadn't wound me up. I think I'll stick with Royal Mail in future." 

Have a fun weekend.

Ronnie

xx