While connecting in the Charlotte airport on my way back to LA, I heard the recorded announcement, “if you see unattended luggage or suspicious packages, please contact a law enforcement official.”

When I realized where I was, I had a panic attack.

The cop I turned in to NYPD IAD is supposedly a federal marshal in Charlotte now. The thought of being in the same area code as him sent me running to the bathroom with dry heavs.

I walked to my gate looking over my shoulder and wondering if he had read flight manifests. Did he know I was there?

Will I be scared the rest of my life?