Probably the absolute last thing they want if they only have one person working there is to have somebody going through the bags, opening the can of works to others to come and check the bags. You aren't even sure it's there, it could have fallen off after it was scanned on at your first airport and is lying on the ground there or something.
I am betting you will get to the counter there and explain there is no way they are letting you anywhere near the bags. I would start filling out the claim forms to be ready to file them.