The bright chandeliers of the upscale downtown restaurant glistened against the polished marble floors, but seven-year-old Lily felt only cold fear. Dressed in her favorite white floral dress, she sat hunched on the dark floor in the middle of the crowded dining room, weeping softly into her hands. Her small shoulders shook with violent sobs while surrounding diners stared in silent shock.
Davenport: You dirty thief! Stand up right now and hand over what you took from my pocket!
Lily: I didn't... I didn't take anything! I was just looking for my toy bear!
Davenport: Don't play dumb with me, you little brat! My sixty-thousand-dollar diamond watch went missing the second you bumped into my table!
The loud shouting echoed through the open restaurant, silencing every conversation. At the front entrance, Clara was settling the bill with the hostess when the harsh voice reached her ears. Recognizing her daughter's terrified cry, Clara dropped her purse onto the counter and turned toward the noise.
Clara: Lily?!
Davenport: emptied your pockets, child! Or I will have the police search you right here in front of everyone!
Lily: Mommy! Help me!
Clara sprinted past the waiters, her heart pounding against her ribs as she saw a large, middle-aged businessman in a expensive navy suit standing over her crying child. The man glared down at Lily with intense fury, his face red with rage as he reached out toward the terrified girl. Clara dropped to her knees on the floor, pulling Lily firmly against her chest while her mind raced with protective fury.
Clara: Shh, baby, I'm right here. Mommy's got you. It's okay.
Lily: Mommy, I didn't take anything! He yelled at me and pushed me down!
Davenport: Your daughter stole my luxury timepiece! You better tell her to give it back before I call my lawyer and file charges against your whole family!
Clara raised her eyes from her weeping child, her vision turning red as she looked up at the arrogant executive. Standing up rapidly, Clara stepped directly into the man's space, her jaw set and her fist clenched tight. Before anyone in the restaurant could react, Clara threw her hands forward with every ounce of strength in her body, slamming her palms into the businessman's chest and sending him crashing backward into a nearby dining table.