Arthur: TRASH! YOU GOT THAT FILTH ON ME!
Thomas: I didn't touch your coat, Arthur. It was an accident.
Arthur: Everything you do is an accident because you're a failure!
Arthur raised his heavy boot and kicked a spray of sharp ice chunks directly into Thomas's face. The older man flinched, raising his forearm to protect his eyes from the freezing debris. Arthur cocked his arm back for a second, even more brutal blow, his fingers curling into a tight fist of pure malice. The workers held their breath, turning their heads away to avoid witnessing the cowardly display. But before Arthur's hand could descend toward Thomas's face, a heavy shadow fell across the icy floor.
Arthur: PEOPLE LIKE YOU SHOULD STAY BEHIND THE STALLS!
A hand shot out from the side with blinding speed, wrapping around Arthur's wrist in a grip of iron. Arthur froze mid-swing, his eyes widening in sudden shock as his fist was arrested completely in mid-air. A murmur rippled through the gathered crowd of fish market employees as they strained to see who had dared to interfere with the boss. Julian stood tall in a dark tailored coat, his expression a mask of cold, unyielding fury as he stared down the warehouse manager.
Julian: Let go of the old man, Arthur.
Arthur: Who the hell do you think you are?! Get your hands off me!
Julian: You heard me. Step away from him right now.
Arthur: This is my warehouse! I'll discipline whoever I want!
Julian tightened his grip on Arthur's wrist until a sharp grimace of pain cut across the manager's face. With a sudden, explosive motion, Julian yanked Arthur forward by the collar of his expensive black coat, throwing him completely off balance. Before Arthur could recover his footing, Julian brought his open palm across Arthur's face with a resounding crack that echoed off the high warehouse rafters. The force of the strike sent Arthur stumbling backward across the slippery ice until his spine crashed hard against a wooden loading crate.
Arthur: Agh! You... you lunatic! You hit me!
Julian: Consider it a small down payment on what you owe him.
Arthur: Do you know who I am?! I'll have you arrested for trespassing and assault!
Julian: Go ahead. Call the police. Let's see what they say when they review the security footage of your little assault.
Arthur staggered to his feet, wiping a smear of blood from the corner of his lip as he glared with venomous hatred at the newcomer. The workers whispered among themselves, exchanging hopeful glances for the first time all morning. Julian stepped over a stray basket of fish, moving with absolute calm and authority as he positioned himself directly between Arthur and the injured older man on the ground.
Arthur: You're interfering with private business! Get out of my building!
Julian: Your building? That's a very amusing way to describe a property you've been embezzling from for three years.
Arthur's face drained of color instantly, his arrogant sneer faltering as his eyes darted nervously toward the office doors. Julian stood protectively over Thomas, his dark coat sweeping against the frosty floor as he stared down the stunned aggressor with piercing intensity.
Julian: WHO ARE YOU?
Arthur: I'm the managing director of this entire facility! You have no right—
Julian: You were the managing director. As of ten minutes ago, your contract has been terminated with cause.