Chapter IV: The Charge of False Reporting
Amanda's face went completely pale. The manicured confidence and haughty rage evaporated from her eyes, leaving only sheer, suffocating panic.
"I... I was only exaggerating because he was being rude..." Amanda stammered, backing away from the counter. "It was just a misunderstanding! I'll pay the full price right now!"
"Too late for that, ma'am," Deputy Turner said firmly, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his utility belt. "Filing a false police report, misusing the 911 emergency network, and attempting to fabricate criminal allegations against a business owner are serious class-A offenses."
The customers in line stepped aside as Deputy Turner took Amanda by the arm, escorting the protesting socialite out into the falling snow toward the back of his patrol cruiser.
Frank adjusted his glasses, picked up his barcode scanner, and looked at the next customer in line with a gentle, reassuring smile.
"Sorry about the delay, folks. Who’s next?"