Each item she scanned was a countdown, her gaze occasionally flitting to the store’s cameras that blinked above like ever-watchful eyes. She knew the security guard was stationed at the entrance, engaged in idle chatter, unaware of the drama unfolding just a few feet away. She needed time, and so she stalled—requesting a price check, pretending trouble with a coupon scan, engaging the man in small talk. Anything to buy precious seconds.