She saw only:
D. MITCHELL
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
ACCESS LIMITED
Instead of becoming cautious, she became suspicious.
"Your account is restricted."
"I know."
"Why?"
Diana almost smiled.
"Because it's restricted."
Patricia looked up sharply.
"That's not an answer."
"It is the only answer you're entitled to."
The older couple was definitely watching now.
Ashley had stopped pretending to arrange jewelry.
Kevin stood frozen.
Patricia put the tablet down.
"I think you should leave."
No one moved.
Diana stared at her.
"Excuse me?"
"You've created enough disruption."
"I've done nothing."
"You've challenged staff repeatedly."
"I asked questions."
"You've demanded access to high-value inventory without establishing purchasing capacity."
Diana's voice became very quiet.
"Is that written policy?"
Patricia folded her arms.
"I manage this store."
"That's not what I asked."
"I decide when security concerns exist."
Diana glanced toward Marcus.
He had not moved.
His face was controlled, but concern had entered his eyes.
Patricia followed her gaze.
Then raised her voice.
"Marcus."
He approached slowly.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Please escort this woman out."
Marcus looked at Diana.
Then Patricia.
"Has there been an incident?"
Patricia looked offended.
"I'm telling you there has."
"What happened?"
Diana almost admired him.
Not refusing.
Not blindly obeying.
Asking.
Patricia pointed toward Diana.
"She's been attempting to access merchandise she's not qualified to view."
Marcus blinked.
"Qualified?"
Patricia's face flushed.
"You know what I mean."
Marcus did not move.
"No, ma'am."
Diana watched everything.
Patricia stepped closer to him.
"She needs to leave."
Marcus looked toward Diana.
"Ma'am, have you been asked to leave?"
"Just now."
"Do you intend to?"
Diana looked at Patricia.
"No."
Patricia immediately reached for her phone.
"Fine."
She unlocked it.
"I'm calling the police."
The store became absolutely still.
Ashley whispered, "Patricia."
The Manager turned.
"What?"
Ashley swallowed.
"Maybe we should call corporate first."
Patricia stared at her.
"Nobody asked you."
Ashley looked down.
Diana's hands had trembled briefly a few minutes earlier.
Not because she was frightened.
Because she was angry.
Now they were perfectly steady.
She reached into her pocket.