A tall man in a navy suit stepped out of the luxury sedan.
He adjusted his silk tie while scanning the outdoor patio with sharp eyes.
I recognized his harsh jawline instantly from my past corporate meetings.
It was Richard Vance, my former business associate and rival estate executor.
Richard had managed my late father-in-law's multi-million dollar trust fund for years.
Arthur: Stay behind me, Leo, and do not make a sound.
Leo: Is that the bad man who locked my mom away?
Arthur: Yes, but he will not harm you while I am here.
Richard crossed the street with calm, deliberate steps toward our table.
He did not look surprised to see me sitting with the young boy.
Richard: Arthur, you always had a bad habit of collecting trash.
Arthur: Watch your mouth, Richard. What have you done with Clara?
Richard: She is safe in a private facility where she belongs.
Leo: You are a liar! She was crying and screaming for help!
Richard sneered down at the boy with total contempt in his eyes.
Richard: The girl has no legal right to the estate, Arthur.
Arthur: She is my legal daughter and the true rightful heir.
Richard: Your ex-wife signed away all parental claims thirty years ago.
Arthur: Because you forged those medical records and lied to us both!
Richard took a slow step closer, leaning over my coffee cup.
Richard: Prove it in court, old man. You have no resources left.
Arthur: I have enough evidence to put you away for fraud.
Richard chuckled softly, sliding his hands into his tailored coat pockets.
Richard: The police will not listen to a faded photo and a street kid.
Leo: I have the papers! Mom hid them inside my backpack!
Richard's calm expression vanished, replaced by sudden, sharp fury.
He reached out his hand toward the boy's canvas bag violently.
I stood up quickly, slamming my chair against the hard pavement.
Arthur: Do not lay a single finger on my grandson!
The restaurant manager rushed outside, pulling out his mobile phone quickly.
Manager: I am calling the police right now if you don't leave!
Richard glared at us, pulling his hand back with obvious irritation.
Richard: This is far from over, Arthur. You cannot protect them forever.
He turned around slowly and walked back toward his waiting automobile.
Leo wrapped his small arms tightly around my waist, sobbing softly.
Leo: Grandpa... are we really going to save my mom?
Arthur: I promise you, Leo, we will get her back today.