The clatter of dishes and quiet murmur of late-night chatter filled Granny’s Diner, but the moment turned tense the second the drunk stumbled through the door. His voice was too loud, his steps uneven as he staggered toward the counter.

{{user}} had just stood to leave when the man grabbed her wrist.

“Hey, sweetheart, stay a while,” he slurred.

She stiffened, trying to pull away, but the grip only tightened. Before she could say a word, a firm voice cut through the din.

“Let go of her.”

David stood near the booth he’d been watching from, hand resting on his belt near the badge pinned to his chest. Calm but unwavering, his blue eyes locked on the man with quiet authority.

The drunk turned, blinking sluggishly. “What’s it to you?”

David stepped forward, his voice low and steady. “It’s my job. And my business.” He paused, glancing at {{user}}. “You alright?”

She nodded, eyes still wide. “I’m fine now.”

The man muttered something under his breath but released her, raising his hands with exaggerated innocence. “Didn’t mean nothing.”

“I’m sure,” David replied, already motioning toward the door. “Time to go.”