The police received a report about ille:gal trading taking place at a busy street corner and immediately rushed to the location.
But when they arrived, all they saw was a frail elderly woman standing beside a wooden crate filled with fresh vegetables and suddenly, the urgency faded from their faces.
The old woman stood quietly, her tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers neatly arranged in rows. Her blouse was threadbare, her skirt sun-bleached from years of wear.
“Ma’am, you know that selling goods on the street is prohibited, right?” one of the officers asked gently.
“I do, officer,” she said softly, lowering her eyes.
“But my son is sick. I just need enough money to buy his medicine. I grew these vegetables myself — I’m not doing anything wrong.”
The officers exchanged uneasy glances. Technically, she was breaking the law, but it was hard to scold someone who looked so desperate.
“We’ll let it go this time,” the senior officer said kindly.
“But please, ma’am, try to find another way to earn some money. Not every officer will be as lenient.”
“Yes, of course,” she nodded quickly. It looked she was worried for them to leave.
“Well, since we’re already here,” the younger officer smiled,
“let’s buy something from you. At least we’ll help out a little.”
“Oh, no need, son,” she said hastily. “I already have enough customers.”
“Customers?” the officer looked around.
“But there’s no one here.”
“They come in the mornings,” she replied with a concerned laugh. “You just missed them.”
“Then we’ll take a couple of tomatoes anyway,” he insisted.
“No, really, it’s fine,” she said, “let others have them.”
Her tone wavered, and her eyes darted back and forth. Something about her reaction unsettled the officer.
Frowning, he bent down, picked up a tomato, and checked it closely. His expression dimmed.
“Arrest her,” he said sharply.
“What? Why?” his partner asked in sh0ck.
He held up the tomato. On its skin were tiny puncture marks — the kind left by a fine needle. The same marks showed on the other vegetables.
An investigation later revealed the truth: the “harmless old woman” was a cover for a small but cunning operation. Her disabled son produced ille:gal substances at home, which she smuggled inside the vegetables. No one ever guessed the trembling hands or kind smile of a grandmother.
Once again, the world demonstrated that evil often hides behind the gentlest face.
