"Don't interfere."
Officer Sullivan shifted uncomfortably.
She had worked with Thornton for nearly four years.
She knew his temper.
She knew his habit of asserting authority when questioned.
But she had never seen him behave this aggressively toward someone inside a business whose owner was clearly objecting.
"Chief," she said, "we should verify the trespass issue."
Thornton stared at her.
"Are you questioning my arrest?"
"I'm asking whether the owner requested removal."
"Nora doesn't understand the situation."
Nora stepped forward.
"I understand perfectly. He's allowed to be here."
Thornton pointed toward the door.
"Then maybe you need to reconsider how you run your business."
The words hung in the air.
Aaron turned his head.
"Chief, are you threatening the owner because she disagrees with you?"
Thornton shoved him harder against the counter.
"Shut your mouth."
A chair fell sideways behind them.
Thornton kicked it away with his polished black shoe.
The chair struck another table.
A ceramic plate fell and shattered.
Someone cried out.
Aaron remained still.
He did not try to pull free.
But he spoke quietly.
"Everything you're doing is being documented."
Thornton laughed.
"You think your little friends with their phones are going to save you?"
Aaron looked toward the espresso machine.
"No."
Thornton leaned closer.
"Then what?"
Aaron turned his head just enough to meet the chief's eyes.
"You should have checked who was watching."
Thornton frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Before Aaron could answer, the police radio clipped to Sullivan's uniform crackled.
"Unit Twelve, confirm current location."
Sullivan reached for it.
"Common Grounds, downtown."
"Stand by for state investigative personnel."
She looked toward Thornton.
The chief's face tightened.
"What?"