May turned to Keeley.
“Get back to your table. You do not assault another person for no reason, and particularly not an officer of the law. There will be serious consequences.”
Her voice was hard, uncompromising. Keeley flinched from her tone, taking a step back. The fight ebbed out of him.
She turned back to Sean.
"I suggest you apologize if you want to stay here," she said. "Otherwise, take your seat and carry on with your evening. If you're looking to cause trouble, can I recommend another bar?"
Sean looked at her, his face dark with anger. He was breathing hard, but he wasn't going to fight. She saw that.
May was dimly aware that it was her personality, her calmness, that had defused the situation, but she didn't think much of it as she looked Sean and Keeley in the eye.
"I mean it," she said. "Back down."
Sean was still glaring, but he and Keeley retreated.
"Let's go find another place to drink," he muttered.
They walked out of the bar.
When he was gone, May felt her shoulders drop. Her heart was beating rapidly. She sat down opposite Owen and picked up her beer.
"I'm sorry about that," Owen said. "That was out of line. But I can't stand your ex. He's insufferable. And one day, someone will give him the punch he deserves," he said wryly.
May sighed.
"He will deserve it," she agreed. "But I'm glad you didn't get caught up in this."
Then, as she took another gulp of beer, she saw another man walk in. All her senses prickled as she saw who he was.
He was probably in his mid-twenties, tall and arrogant looking, with a cocky tilt to his chin. And he was wearing a dark blue jacket with 'FBI' on the pocket.
May felt as if her heart was stopping. One of the agents had arrived. One of the people who would be taking their case from them.
But who was this man partnered with? He turned back and called to someone.
"In here?" he asked.
May stared at the door, barely able to breathe, as she waited to see who else would arrive at the bar.