“Thank you.” He put the phone down and glared at the case. He would have to open it, check that nothing was missing and contact the police.

Fearful of a parcel bomb or some sort of incendiary device, he fumbled for his keys and tentatively approached the innocent-looking cause of so much trouble. He breathed deeply, but the angina-like pain in his chest had returned and he felt the onset of dizziness and nausea. This time the discomfort wasn’t as bad as when he had been locked in that room, but if he wasn’t careful, the symptoms could easily return, and he didn’t know what he feared most – opening the case or a heart attack.

“Damn it!” He made his decision, inserted the key, but wished he had bought a case with a combination lock instead of this one that had been more expensive but less secure.

Author Bio