Alone With Them

Chapter 21

Bonnie's face suddenly dropped to reveal nothing. No faked emotion, only a firm stare that reminded her just how dead the animatronics really were. They were code. Sure, sometimes they acted otherwise, but they were simply wires and metal combined to make something a psycho thought would appeal to children.

Then Bonnie's creepy smile reappeared. "Getting things ready."

"What things?"

"Who said I'd give you more answers?"

Cathryn allowed herself to turn halfway to face her desk, her fingers itching to check the cameras. The only problem was, she didn't want to fully turn her back to the danger already in her office. She hadn't moved enough to see the computer screen, but her eyes landed on the leather notebook instead – now partially buried by files. The drawings were a good reminder to keep her brain alert. Bonnie could rip her apart without even trying.

"You know, I've never seen one up close," the rabbit said, his voice still jarring enough to make Cathryn wince.

"What?"

"One of the guards," he replied. Unblinking, he eyed her for an uncomfortable amount of time. Almost as if to himself, he muttered, "Boss was right."

"Excuse me? What boss?"

"Whittle of course."

The strange man that had hired her filled Cathryn's mind and she blanched. Seriously? He had talked to the animatronics, too? Were they working for him or–

Bonnie's amused "huff" – the electronic noise at least bore resemblance to one – interrupted the thought, and he followed his comment up jokingly, "Why would I work for the human?" He shook his head, allowing himself to blink. "Mr. Fazbear himself is the boss."

Understanding slowly started to form. "You mean Freddy?"

"That's Boss."

"He . . . said something about me?"

Bonnie was still smiling as he plainly looked her up and down again. "You're young."

She couldn't help but curl in on herself, crossing her arms firmly to her chest.

"Practically a child."

"I am not. They wouldn't let a child work the night shift."

Bonnie didn't debate with her, but he didn't agree either. He just stared strangely, knowingly, in her direction with his ears slightly bent.

"Did Freddy say I looked young?"

Bonnie stayed silent.

The lack of talking didn't help Cathryn to feel comfortable, but it gave her plenty of time to think over what Bonnie had said. And plenty of time to notice inconsistencies. "Wait, up close? What do you mean?"

"What?" Bonnie huffed.

Bonnie had said he'd never seen a security guard up close before, but that was definitely a lie. The image of him from last night with glowing red eyes trying to grab at her throat wasn't even close to fading from her brain. "You've seen me up close."

He subtly cocked his head. Unlike Freddy, Bonnie lacked any sort of eyebrows, but his eyes widened like that wasn't the case. Then he rolled them.

"Why'd you lie?"

"Why do you need to know?" His tone was different. It sounded quieter and like he was actually annoyed for once instead of playful.

"I guess I don't," Cathryn mumbled under her breath. She made the mistake of following it up with, "You think you'd be more appreciative."

"What?" The word held a mechanical, sharp edge to it. It reminded Cathryn of the gears lining Bonnie's throat. All at once it re-occurred to her the type of danger she was in. Just because Bonnie's eyes were no longer glowing didn't mean he felt kindly towards her. His legs were spread shoulders-width apart and his hands were tight at his sides. His eyes never blinked; his expression wasn't happy.

There were warning bells sounding off in Cathryn's head.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Bonnie asked again.

"I just don't get why you'll only answer some of my questions, that's all."

"The fact that I answer anything," he seemed to scoff, "should tell you not to push your luck. Do you remember what I am, security guard?" He took a few steps closer, glowering down at her.

The hair on Cathryn's arms stood on end.

"Do you know what I've seen? What I can do?"

"Okay, I'm sorry. I just think it's dumb to–"

"Did I come in here interviewing you?" Bonnie was growing close enough to cause her to squirm. "I don't need you asking questions about me. You should shut up and start paying attention to your own problems."

"It's not like I meant to make you angry." Cathryn didn't expect the rabbit's purple hand to shoot out and grab a handful of her hair. He tugged it aggressively, making her wince. Cathryn clenched her jaw.

"You like this head of yours?"

She gave a small nod.

"Then back off. I don't have to tell you anything." He thankfully released his hold and stalked back to the far wall, beneath the vent by the ceiling. He folded his arms, and Cathryn swore she heard him mutter something like, "Human hair is so odd."

She sucked in a long breath. Okay . . . no more talking to the unstable rabbit freak.