Direct speech and dialogue are very important parts of a writer's work, so this challenge is just a dialogue - two people speaking to each other. But, of course, I will give you the scenario to build on. (It is actually a true scenario, but for an acquaintance - not for me!).

You are going to Belfast for a special occasion - it may be to a wedding, a birthday party: that's up to you - but it's important that you get there. You have travelled to Stanstead airport by train, and as you pass through the security check, you fail the test, and the reason you fail is that they find that you have a four-inch spanner in your handbag (if you are female) or in the bottom of your pocket (if you're male). The security officer questions you about it. How do you reply? And does he believe you? And do you have to make up a further justification? And so on.

So write about 200 words or so (300 words maximum) as a dialogue between you and the security officer (who may be male or female). The dialogue can start with either you or the Security Officer. Use only the spoken words, and do not add other words, like "he shuffled uncertainly on his feet." And remember, this challenge is about dialogue: there doesn't have to be a conclusion to the dialogue. The real challenge is to convey the awkwardness of the situation through the dialogue, not a description of the despatch to the local prison!

Send the entries to Clare by Alpha Day 10 (March 16th) please.