Disguise

The carriage transporting the three guards stopped outside an expensive looking restaurant. I followed from above, jumping from rooftop to rooftop until we arrived. Once the carriage came to a complete stop, the three guards exited the carriage and made their way past the long line by the entrance and we're allowed inside. The people standing in the long line were clearly upset that someone had been allowed in before them, but no one made a scene.

Wait, why are people gathered so early in the morning in a long line at this restaraunt? Is it that tasty!? Wait, that's not important. I need to follow them, or at least be within hearing range. How far does my hearing extend? Whatever, that doesn't matter right now.

I jumped down onto a side alley where no one could see me, pulled my mask off and put it away, and then tried to blend in. I could hear their voices from outside, but it was too quiet for me to make out any words even with my ears pressed up against the wall. I need to get inside somehow. I step back a few steps and quickly examine the wall with the main entrance. The restaurant was huge, and the main wall was as long as five of Kelly's cafes. There were no visible entryways that I could see, despite there being so many windows. Even if one happened to be open, I'm in clear view of the public, which means I couldn't do anything anyways.

Maybe there could be a back entrance. Don't all buildings have a back entrance?

As the thought crossed my mind, I casually walked around the side of the building all the way around to the back. The back was nowhere near as pretty as the front, instead just used as a place to collect ingredients from people that sell them. At the moment, it seemed like the restaurant was currently in the middle of collecting ingredients. Must be to help prepare for the day.

It should be easy to try and blend in, walking right through the doors carrying a crate of ingredients inside. A little bit of acting is all it should take. What's lucky is that despite working for a small cafe, Kelly makes me wear a fancy-ish suit. These guys also seem to be wearing similar clothes, which should make it easier to blend in.

When no one was looking, I quickly made my way into the group of twelve or so workers carrying in ingredients while the people selling them were unloading. I simply grabbed a crate and followed everyone else, right up to the door.

"Stop!"

I froze. Did they notice my disguise? I could have sworn we looked similar enough for me to blend in, so what gave me away?

I was prepared to move at the slightest hint of danger. The person who stopped me walked right around me until he stood right in front of me. He looked me up and down,l before finally talking again.

"You forgot your bowtie. It's our policy, remember? Here, I have a spare."

He pulled out a bowtie, letting it hang off of his index finger. I grabbed the bowtie and quickly put it on, making sure it was on properly.

"Thanks." I said in a quiet voice. At that, the man walked back and picked up a crate of his own.

Phew, that was close.

I followed everyone through until we arrived at this large pantry where all the ingredients were being stored. Its clear that these ingredients are supposed to go in specific places, so all I have to do is figure out where.

I quickly scanned the location of each and every item in the pantry, slowly labeling each part of the pantry as being used for a specific type of ingredients. For example, spices went in the back left, while meats were left in the front. Once you got to the broad area of where you ingredient belonged, you had to then figure out where in that area to put it. I had everything memorized in a single moment, and went to put things where I was certain they went.

"All right, it seems like we have everything. Get to the kitchen and help the chefs prepare the food. Were going to have another busy day, so try and stay focused. Good luck everyone, now get moving."

As I followed everyone onto the kitchens, I was beginning to clearly hear the voices of the guards, listening in on their conversation. Right now, they weren't discussing anything important, so I should just try and blend in for now. I've gained some experience working at the cafe, so let's hope I can put that to use.

Once I got to the kitchen, I saw a scene that could be compared to a legendary battle. Everyone was working desperately to keep up with the demands of their customers, being sure to make delicious food as well.

All of the chef's were loudly shouting out orders to bring ingredients or stir some stew in a pot. Everyone was rushing around the kitchen trying to prepare everyone's food. Well, guess I better settle in for now.

I quickly joined the fray, following directions as they were given to me and cooking food on my own to the best of my ability, being sure to follow all of the instructions. I was constantly multitasking, cooking food, setting temperatures, taste testing, seasoning, and timing all while also listening in to the guards conversation for any other useful information.

As I worked dutifully, never slowing down in the slightest, a few of the chef's began to take notice, observing my quick and efficient work. I guess I'm doing a good job, but I just wish that the guards would say anything useful.