Validation

By Lynda Kirby

The young investigative journalist peered through the lens of his old-fashioned camera at the American base. Discovered a mall café with anonymous faces and static images seated beneath a fluorescent glare. His shutter clicked a dozen times.

Crouching, he backed from his hiding place to his car. He drove past the Homeland Security sign declaring, Trespassers will be Detained.

At home, he pegged the developed film on the line grinning in triumph at pictures revealing the undercarriage of a spaceship above the theatrical café backdrop.

He failed to hear his front door splintering or the booted feet racing towards his darkroom.