— “I’ll give you one chance. Apologize for the attitude, and we’ll call it even for today.” Eleanor picked up her purse and settled it on her lap. It looked like a natural move, but Mike saw it for what it was—a shift into a combat-ready stance. The tension was like a piano wire ready to snap.
Eleanor spoke clearly: — “People apologize when they’ve done something wrong. I’m just having lunch.” Bill’s eyes turned to ice. He stood up and began to slowly circle her table: — “There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who listen, and those who have to learn the hard way.”
Eleanor kept her eyes on him. Bill stopped right beside her: — “Everyone who’s ignored my advice has ended up regretting it. I haven’t met a person yet who could walk away after disrespecting me.” Danny chimed in from his seat: — “Boss, I think she’s missing a few screws.” Rick tapped his temple: — “Definitely crazy.”
Eleanor remained still, her hand resting lightly on the strap of her bag. Mike held his breath. Bill suddenly slammed his palm onto the table. *Bang!* The sound made the other customers jump, but Eleanor didn’t even blink. Not a flinch.
— “Are you even human? Don’t you feel fear?” Bill asked. Eleanor finally spoke: — “It’s not about fear. It’s about common sense. And common sense says you shouldn’t harass a stranger in a diner.”
Rick yelled: — “Is she serious right now?” Danny held him back: — “Easy, kid.” Bill curled his lip into a sneer: — “You’re not from around here, are you?” Eleanor nodded: — “Just passing through.”
Bill leaned down to look her in the eye: — “That explains it. Let me educate you. I’ve run the rackets in this town for twenty years. Even the guy running this grill pays me for ‘protection’ every month.” Mike looked away, his jaw tight. It wasn’t “protection”—it was extortion, plain and simple.
Eleanor paused, then asked: — “And you’re proud of that?” The smile vanished from Bill’s face: — “What?” Eleanor continued: — “I’m asking if you’re proud of taking money from people who actually work for a living?” The atmosphere became razor-sharp.
A customer tried to stand up quietly, but Rick shut him down with a look. Bill straightened up and cracked his neck: — “You’re lucky we’re in public. If we were out on the street, I’d have shown you your place five minutes ago.” Danny kicked Eleanor’s chair leg: — “You hear the Boss? He’s being generous.”
Eleanor slung her bag over her shoulder and stood up: — “I’m going to pay my bill and leave.” Danny stepped in front of her: — “You aren’t going anywhere.” Eleanor said softly: — “Step aside.” Mike saw her eyes change. It was the look of a professional entering the zone. He thought, *Here we go.*
Bill checked his watch: — “Time is money. I’ll give you ten seconds. Get on your knees and apologize, or you aren’t walking out of here.” Eleanor didn’t move. Bill started counting: — “Ten. Nine. Eight…” The patrons held their breath. Mike reached under the counter for his heavy maglite.
— “Seven. Six. Five…” Bill continued. Eleanor adjusted her stance, shifting her center of gravity. Mike recognized the move—it was a textbook combat ready-position. Bill’s voice dropped an octave: — “Four. Three. Two…” Eleanor interrupted: — “Stop counting.”
Bill grinned: — “Finally seeing sense?” Eleanor shook her head: — “I just hate it when people count. I’m paying for my meal. Move.” Bill’s face contorted with rage. The silence was deafening. — “You little…”
Rick couldn’t take it anymore and lunged forward: — “Boss, let me handle this!” Bill raised a hand to stop him, but the kid was already moving. He reached out to grab Eleanor’s shoulder: — “Listen when you’re told, lady!” Eleanor stood her ground and gripped her bag.
Rick reached for her, but Eleanor pivoted her torso with fluid grace. His hand grabbed nothing but air, and he stumbled forward. — “Hey!” Danny frowned: — “Rick, you can’t even grab a woman?” Rick, his pride wounded, charged again: — “That’s it! You’re done!”
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