Chapter 4 - The Arrival of Law and Order
Within seven minutes, the blue lights of two NYPD patrol cars flashed against the frosted glass windows of Prime 88.
Two officers entered the steakhouse, their boots clicking against the hardwood floor. The lead officer, Sergeant Ramirez, was a veteran cop with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor.
“Alright, what’s the situation here?” Ramirez asked, looking at the crowd gathered in the center aisle.
Richard Vance immediately stepped forward, trying to exert his usual authority. “Officer! Thank God you’re here! I was just attacked and harassed by this mob! This waitress insulted me, her manager handled the situation, and these men held me against my will!”
Sergeant Ramirez looked at Richard, then at the overturned tray on the floor, and finally at Clara, who was leaning against a booth, visibly pale and clutching her torso.
Arthur Montgomery stepped forward, holding out his driver’s license and a business card. “Officer Ramirez, my name is Arthur Montgomery. I witnessed the entire incident, as did everyone in this room. Mr. Vance kicked this young woman in the chest without provocation after she apologized for a kitchen delay.”
Ramirez glanced at Arthur’s business card, his eyebrows lifting slightly as he recognized Montgomery Construction—one of the city’s largest infrastructure contractors.
“Is there security footage?” Ramirez asked Harold.
Harold swallowed hard, sweat dripping down his neck. “Well... the camera in that corner... it’s been malfunctioning—”
“I recorded the whole thing on my phone,” a young woman at a nearby table spoke up, stepping forward with her smartphone held high. “Clear high-definition video with audio. You can see him kick her, and you can hear him call her trash.”
Richard’s face drained of all color. “That... that video is taken out of context!”
Sergeant Ramirez took the phone, watched the ten-second video clip once, and handed it back to the woman. His face hardened. He turned back to Richard Vance.
“Mr. Vance, turn around and put your hands behind your back,” Ramirez ordered flatly.
“What?!” Richard shrieked. “Are you serious?! Do you know who my lawyers are?! I know the District Attorney!”
“You can tell all of that to the judge,” Ramirez said, grabbing Richard’s wrist and snapping heavy steel handcuffs over his wrists. “You’re under arrest for third-degree assault.”
As the officers pulled Richard toward the front entrance, the entire dining room erupted into loud applause. Guests cheered and clapped as the arrogant executive was led out in cuffs, his head hanging in shame as news photographers—alerted by a diner’s social media post—flashed cameras right through the restaurant glass.
Harold stood frozen near the kitchen door, realizing his restaurant’s reputation was ruined. He looked over at Clara. “Clara... look, about what I said earlier... I was just stressed—”
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Before Harold could finish, Arthur Montgomery stepped directly between them.
“Don't bother, Harold,” Arthur said smoothly. “Clara resigns, effective immediately. And by tomorrow morning, my legal team will ensure you and this establishment face a full labor investigation for workplace safety violations and wrongful termination.”
