“Was I always monitored and recorded?” My mind ran through some conversations and phone calls I had made in the last month. Nothing embarrassing, but you can never recall exactly what you say.
“Yes, but that’s no different from any other employee.” He leaned forward. “All company computers are monitored. We set up keywords that trigger alerts. Facial recognition also warns us when an employee gains access or attempts to access unauthorized areas. Cameras are everywhere. We are also a security tech company. None of that should be a surprise.”
“The bathrooms are monitored? And my room?”
“No employee rooms and no bathrooms anywhere.” He chuckled. “Just hallways. Offices are safe, too, but if you are on the company computers, using company phones, those cameras can be turned on and off with authorization.”
“I used my laptop in my room.”
“And it was never recording you or invading your privacy.”
“Not like I have anything exciting to look at.”
His forehead wrinkled. “Was that a comment on your lack of a social life or a derogatory statement about you personally?"
“Why?” I leaned forward. “Does it matter?”
We gazed at each other. Before he could answer, a knock came at the door.
“Come in.” Patrick stood and greeted the staff member carrying a bag. The smell hit me two seconds later. It was something fried and greasy.Yummy.
“Thanks, Peter.” He grabbed the bag and brought it back to his desk. He took the black plastic containers of food out one at a time. I peered at the one closest to me; the piping hot fries fogged up the clear plastic lid.
I reached for it, but pulled my hand back.
“Dig in.” He gestured toward the fries.
I peeled the top off and snatched a fry. The salty, hot food satisfied my stomach. The other container included chicken tenders and several smaller containers of ranch dressing and honey mustard. Patrick grabbed two bottles of water and set one in front of me.
I took a sip. I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was and took a big gulp.
Patrick sat down, and we shared the container of chicken tenders, but the fries were all mine. I stopped myself from dancing after every bite, but the flavor was too good. My soul needed some joy at that moment.
I had ordered this same meal every few days since I arrived. I glared and shook my head.
“What?”
“Cameras must have picked up on my preferred meal. Seems like a waste of such an expensive surveillance system.” I licked the sauce off my lips. “Does it compile how often I went to thechicken place and clued you in on the best food choice to put me at ease in this uncomfortable situation?”
“It could, but I gained this knowledge by utilizing a much more reliable and accurate system of discovery.” He grinned.
“And what is that?”
“The team meal after the training session last week.” A smirk touched his lips. “You ate your weight in fries and chicken tenders.”
I smirked back. “Old school. Smart.” I tapped my temple.
“Most reliable surveillance I’ve taken part in.” He took a sip of his water. “I pay attention.”
Those eyes bored into me as if they had a lot more to say, but thankfully he said nothing. I wasn’t quite ready to hear my fate. I savored my food. I was certain it would be my last meal here.
“Can I ask you a question?” He wiped his hands on a napkin.
“Another reliable tool to extract information.” I gave a curt nod.
“Unless the subject lies.” It felt as if his eyes could see right through me. “But we are in a zone of honesty at the moment.”
“Of course.”
