Maya tried to turn again, but Brett kept her in place. Caleb watched her face and the position of Brett's arm.
"Release her."
Brett gave a short, dismissive shake of his head. "You're not in charge here."
"I'm not trying to be."
"Then go sit down."
Caleb did not move.
Brett looked toward Ruth, Daniel, and Eli. "Every one of you is watching a lawful detention. If he interferes, he becomes part of it, too."
Caleb answered, "Then make the detention clear."
Brett turned his eyes back to him. "You want me to explain police procedure while I'm dealing with a suspect?"
"You've had plenty of time to explain everything except the one thing that matters."
Brett shifted his stance without releasing Maya. Caleb took one careful step closer.
"Don't." Brett's voice changed.
Caleb stopped.
Maya drew a strained breath and said, "Caleb, don't let him turn this into something else."
Brett looked down at her. "You should have thought about that before tonight."
Maya met his eyes. "You're the one who came here."
Brett looked back at Caleb. "Last warning: stay out of police business."
Caleb kept his hands visible. "Let her go."
Brett held Maya in place and stared at the older man. "Don't forget I'm a cop."
Caleb's expression did not change. "Then act like one."
Caleb moved only after Maya's breathing became more strained: he did not rush Brett or try to overpower him; he stepped close enough to reach Brett's controlling arm, placed one hand near Brett's wrist and the other near his elbow, then turned the arm away from Maya while shifting Brett's balance to the side. The movement was controlled and brief.
Brett tried to hold his position, but Caleb changed the angle before he could tighten his grip. Maya stepped free and moved behind Ruth. Caleb immediately released Brett and took two steps back, his hands remaining visible.
No one fell. No one was struck. Brett was not injured.
For several seconds, no one spoke. Maya steadied herself against the counter and took several controlled breaths; Ruth stood beside her without touching her.
Brett looked down at his arm, then at Caleb. His expression changed: he reached for the handcuffs on his belt.
"You just assaulted a police officer."
Caleb did not move. "I separated you from her."
"You interfered with a lawful detention."
Maya looked up. "You never established a lawful detention."
Brett pointed at her. "Stay where you are."
"Why?"
"Because you are connected to missing department property."
"That is the first time you've said that clearly."
"I've been saying it all night."
"No, you've been saying property is missing. You never said I was detained."
Brett ignored her and looked at Caleb. "Turn around."
Caleb remained where he was. "Am I under arrest?"
"You placed your hands on an officer."
"After she asked you repeatedly to release her."
"I was controlling a suspect."
"For what offense?"
Brett stepped toward him. "You don't get to question me."
Caleb's voice stayed calm. "Then call someone who does."
Daniel moved away from the counter, giving the two men more space. Eli stood beside his booth.
Ruth looked at Brett's handcuffs. "You're seriously going to arrest him after what everyone just saw?"
Brett turned toward her. "What everyone saw was a civilian interfere with a police detention."
"What I saw," Ruth said, "was Maya tell you to let her go."
Brett faced Maya again. "Give me the card."