It’s a slow, boring day on the job. I’ll say any word but ’quiet,’ because we know what happens when someone says that. The line up to the counter in the coffee shop is ridiculously long and slow-moving, so I decide to people-watch while I wait. Nothing good is on.

Not until I look over to the booths and see a guy grabbing on the person sitting across from him. The other person seems to be struggling, trying to get him off. Even when they stand up, he goes with them, staying latched.

My eyes flick back and forth between the slow-moving line and the brewing domestic dispute. I don’t want to lose my place in line because God knows I’ll never get it back. But I’m a cop, and not only that, but things like this are my specialty.

With a begrudging huff, I leave the line and approach the unhappy couple.

“Hey,” I say, placing my hand on the man’s shoulder and turning him to face me. I glance over at his partner. “Everything okay here?”