Chapter 6 — Witness Denise Steps Forward — Then Confirms Todd Was Moving Too Fast
Denise set her coffee cup down firmly on her saucer.
The ceramic clink echoed sharply in the quietened section of the dining room.
I nearly had my own coffee knocked straight into my lap by that exact same tray just five minutes earlier, Denise stated.
She pointed a finger directly at the heavy plastic tray still clutched in Todd’s trembling hands.
He was flying down this aisle like he was running a marathon, Denise added.
He never slows down for anybody.
Todd turned sharply toward her, his jaw tightening.
Stay out of this, Denise, Todd snapped, his professional demeanor completely cracking under the pressure.
You don’t know what you’re talking about.
I know a clumsy waiter when I see one, Denise replied smoothly.
And I also know you tried to bully a little kid into paying for your mess.
Murmurs rippled through the adjacent booths.
Two more diners nodded in agreement, recalling the blur of motion as Todd had rushed past their tables moments before the incident.
Todd’s posture collapsed visibly.
His shoulders rolled inward, and the defensive stiffness left his spine.
He looked around the room and realized every single set of eyes was fixed on him.
The tablet screen still glowed brightly in Brenda’s hand, looping the indisputable proof.
Todd’s internal service record flashed uncomfortably through his mind.
He knew management kept strict logs of every customer complaint and rushed service error.
Brenda crossed her arms and stared coldly at the defeated waiter.
Fetch the store manager immediately, Brenda said.