Chapter 3 — The Yesterday Recording Begins
The video display was crystal clear.
The high-definition lens mounted in the corner of the kitchen captured every detail of the stainless steel prep area.
The overhead fluorescent lights cast a bright, sterile glare across the metal counters.
Liam was visible on the right side of the screen.
He moved with brisk, practiced efficiency.
His hands worked methodically as he packed up his personal tools and gear.
He rolled up his heavy rubber apron and placed it inside his locker.
He checked his wristwatch, glancing down at the dial to confirm the time.
The timestamp in the corner of the video read four-twenty-eight in the afternoon.
Liam reached for his dark canvas jacket hanging from the side peg.
He slipped his arms through the sleeves and zipped it up to his chest.
He grabbed his set of locker keys and tossed them into his pocket.
Everything on the screen pointed to a worker preparing to leave right on schedule.
Bianca stepped into the frame from the left side of the lens.
She walked with a quick, purposeful stride.
She came to a sudden halt directly in front of Liam just as he reached for the exit door.
She raised one hand and pointed a finger toward the back corner of the room.
Liam stopped in his tracks, turning back to face her.
His expression on the silent monitor showed immediate hesitation.
Bianca’s lips moved rapidly as she delivered instructions.
Aiden leaned closer to the monitor in the security room, narrowing his eyes at the interaction.
“Pause right there,” Aiden muttered, his hand resting on the mouse.
He clicked the pause button, freezing the image of Bianca blocking Liam’s exit path.
“She didn’t just let him go home, did she?” Aiden asked, keeping his gaze locked on the still frame.
“She told me I had to stay and redo the entire top shelf,” Liam said quietly from behind the chair.
“Even though my shift ended two minutes prior.”
Aiden hit play once more.
The video resumed normal speed.
Bianca gestured emphatically toward the upper metal racks lining the wall.
Liam let out a visible sigh on the screen, dropping his canvas bag back onto the prep table.
He untied his jacket and tossed it aside.
“Now let’s listen to what she actually said,” Aiden said, adjusting the volume knob on the console’s speakers.
He rewound the footage by ten seconds and pressed play.
The sharp, clear audio began to fill the quiet security room.
Bianca’s voice echoed from the speakers, cutting through the hum of the computer towers.