As Bentley got ready for his shift, someone walked up to him. "Excuse me? You're that guard that takes care of the intruders, aren't you? Any chance I could pull you aside for a minute? Promise it won't take too long."
The guard turned his head slowly, the rest of his figure following the movement. Their gaze already began to furrow slightly as he met their eyes..
"I am.. What do you want from me? I already have a schedule from the boss so I'm not.. gonna do nothin extra..."
"I was actually wondering if you could do me a tiny favor." Arachne casually leaned against the wall, carefully watching Bentley's response. "We need someone to do maintenance on our arcade tonight without all the bustle of the mall. I was wondering if you could let them in, and open the arcade for them when they arrive? It's nothing much."
His gaze unfocused briefly.. Flitting to one side before once more meeting her.
"Tonight.. Did you clear that with Nathan..? "
"Ah..." She paused.
Right. She had to get permission for things like this; she forgot.
"...I'm sure it'll be fine. It's one of the employees who's worked daytime shifts anyway, and I wouldn't pick someone I don't trust. After all, they're in my arcade. And besides," She added, winking cheerfully, "You must know what you're doing to get someone as paranoid as Nathan to trust you with such important work."
He shifted his weight, giving Arachne a more intense once over for a moment before sighing.
"I.. guess so." His shoulders relaxed slightly, leaving the room quiet for a moment. He ran a hand over his face with a deliberate breath inwards.
"Stop by the cams office and tell Simon you have someone coming before you leave. Nathan is out for the day."
"Thanks!~" She tossed the keys to him. "You'll need these. Feel free to keep them and play some of the arcade games if you want; they're free after closure, and besides, I have plenty of extras. I'll go let Simon know."
With that, she was off to the office as quickly as she arrived, the calm smile remaining on her face as she turned away.
Bentley nodded mutely, watching her back as she turned and left. Arachne could likely feel his gaze still on her until she left his sight.
--
As Arachne reached the office she felt their air grow a hint cooler. The office itself was already locked, but a light inside seeped under the door. Signifying that someone was inside the camera room.
She paused at the door for a moment, before knocking.
"Hello?" She called. "It's Arachne, one of the store owners."














