Chapter 5 — Todd Stares in Utter Shock at the Screen — Then Tries to Invent a New Excuse
Todd stared at the bright little screen in absolute disbelief.
His mouth opened slightly, but no words came out.
The tiny digital playback looped endlessly right before his eyes.
He blinked hard and shook his head.
That camera angle has to be digitally altered, Todd stammered, his voice rising in panic.
The system must be glitching out, he added, pointing a trembling finger at the device.
Brenda did not blink.
She pointed a firm finger directly at the corner of the display.
Look right there at the official restaurant watermark locked into the corner of the video file, Brenda said, her voice cutting through the rising noise of the room.
Todd looked down at the unalterable system tag stamped into the metadata.
He swallowed hard, his face turning an even deeper shade of crimson.
Nearby diner patrons turned their heads to watch the confrontation unfold.
Silverware clattered against plates as people paused their meals to listen.
A regular customer named Denise spoke up from the next booth, leaning over the divider to get a better look.
I saw the whole thing from over here, Denise said, confirming she saw Todd rush by in a clumsy hurry.