The moment the alarm went off inside the shop, every customer turned their head in Max's direction. Even people outside in the mall paused, their attention caught by the sound. Some pressed up against the glass windows, while others slowed their pace to gawk. Heads shook visibly, and whispers quickly spread among strangers, trading thoughts like gossip at a dinner table.
Even from inside the store, judgment came swift.
"It's always the ones you suspect," one older woman muttered under her breath. "They should've just turned him away at the door."
"You want to search me?" Max asked, glaring at the two security guards in front of him. "Pretty sure it's your machine that's broken."
Without waiting for a reply, Max turned and stepped through the exit again.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
The alarm blared once more. The guards immediately shifted, stepping in front of him with synchronized precision, blocking the exit entirely.
