The Collaring of Chloe

Chapter 35: Chains and Offices

Being back in the Warston-Clark building, going up the familiar old elevator, with its unique aroma of stuffiness and bureaucracy, felt surreal coupled with the new sensation of being in a leashed collar and her limbs fettered. Alvin's casual air with the oddity of the situation made it even more surreal seeming. She found herself wondering just how much she really knew about the man. He'd seemed only mildly surprised by the sight of her retrained and that had seemed more directed at simply seeing her again, not the chains. Considering how firmly he seemed to be championing her right to be like this, he might well have his own little secrets at home.

As she heard the metallic ping of the elevator reaching the third floor, a wild tingle of excitement passed through her, simultaneously nervous and exhilarated at what she was doing. She hoped that they wouldn't immediately get ejected by someone or, worse yet, get sweet Alvin in trouble for allowing them to come up at all. The security guard didn't seem to be very worried about his decision, so she tried to let that comfort her concerns.

She felt the sense of familiarity grow as they stepped from the elevator and out into a smallish alcove. The pseudo-casual décor of the niche, little more than a landing for the elevators, had not changed at all, still seeming at odds with the austere industrial style of the building itself. She grinned at the ornate vase full of fake pampas grass, set on the small faux-cherry end table, that had greeted her every day of her tenure here. How many times had she stood there, staring at the gaudy thing as she waited for her elevator to leave?

"So, how you two meet?" Alvin asked as they exited the alcove into a much larger hallway. To their right, the hall went only a couple dozen feet before ending at a pair of double doors, wood paneled and weathered, leading into the area where Chloe used to work. An electric card reader said beside it glowing ominously. The other direction lead to a number of conference rooms, small offices, and other facilities.

The stretch of hallway was currently only occupied by a pair of maintenance men, situated almost right across from the elevator niche, busy doing some upkeep on a large, mural-style, display piece that showed all the various logos for the different business that Warston-Clark parented. Neither man spared them even a glance, too intent on their work to notice. A small part of Chloe pouted at their focus, wanting to be seen all hobbled by chains and on a leash. Being seen made it feel more real and exciting.

"Through a friend, in a way." Master said vaguely, eyeing the large display curiously for a moment, before swinging his attention towards the pair of double doors. "I assume that's an off-limits area." He said, pointing to the illuminated scanner. She wasn't sure if he was purposefully changing the subject to be evasive, either for her benefit or simply not wanting to have to explain their unique dynamic, but Alvin didn't seem to notice if he was.

"Technically, yeah, but they ain't passing state secrets or anything." He replied jocularly. "I figure you'd want to see in there, since I believe that's where Miss Ryan worked at." He looked to Chloe. "Right?" He asked, apparently not completely sure.

"Yep." She agreed, smiling ear to ear. "I'm kind of flattered you remember me so clearly, sir."

Alvin flapped a hand dismissively. "Oh, pashaw. All the security staff remembers you and all those snacks you'd bring in." He gave a chuckle.

"Snacks?" Master asked, shooting Chloe a wry look and a raised eyebrow.

"I'd sometimes stop at a donut place and pick something up or bring in cookies." She explained sheepishly, giving a slight shrug of her shoulders that made the chains rattle softly. She noticed out of the corner of her eye, that the sound attracted the attention of one of the workmen, who looked over at them.