"Move along, move along. Have a nice evening."
The security guard waved the crowd by with a bored expression, the same phrases passed his lips millions of times a day. But he wasn't as bored as he appeared. He regarded everyone closely for odd packages or extra baggage, and he scanned their faces for a hint of lies of deceit. A trained TruthSearcher, he knew exactly what to look for. He could read all the mundane thoughts flitting across the people's faces. He could guess at everyone's cargo and what vehicle they would be driving. He could guess at what they had for breakfast that morning. He could guess if they had a weapon concealed in their clothes. His job description clearly stated estimates, but he was rarely wrong. That's what made him one of the best.
A young woman, carrying a black gym bag slung over one shoulder, leaned casually against the counter, watching the flow of pedestrians pass her by. Her kaki shorts blended in with the other summer attire, and a pair of leopard – print sunglasses perched atop her auburn hair. She too, scanned the crowd. She met the eyes of the TruthSearcher across the room. His eyes widened.
He was adept at searching for the truth in other people's faces, as their thoughts flitted unchecked across their expressions. No commoner could lie to a TruthSearcher. But this woman was no commoner. While he read people's thoughts, she concealed hers. Her sharp, feline features betrayed nothing. Her green eyes were blank as she glanced around the room. Her full lips remained set as she watched commoners hustle past.
The TruthSearcher could feel sweat upon his brow. What could a Concealer be doing in the Transit building? TruthSearchers were in most public buildings, but Concealers were higher up in the government, reserved for Secret Ops and they were rarely seen in the midst of commoners. Was his security breached somehow? Or was she undercover, and warning him not to give her away? She would never have come under normal circumstances. Never.
His placid day had just been shattered.
To be continued