When Starbucks goes Sergio Leone...
February 19, 2009 Yeah, sort of like that. There I was sitting at Starbucks working when a cop comes in and pats down a guy only 7 feet behind me -- inside the jacket, outside the jacket, turn around and pats his back, his legs. Pulls out a pliers or a wire cutters. Then a 2nd cop comes in. Whole thing happens only 7 feet behind me. I had been in plain view of this guy for quite some time.
When the 2nd cop comes in I decided that it's a good time for a bathroom break with my laptop and bag. I figured tiled walls would be good, just in case. In case there was a gun involved. (I know they'd already pat the guy down, but hey, it's what I did. Also, I have no idea if a tiled bathroom wall would actually stop a bullet.)
It scared me a little. The guy had been sitting behind me for about an hour without me noticing, and he did LOOK a bit freaky. But I hadn't noticed. Yes, I had NOT noticed a guy wearing a running hood (tight hood where face is uncovered, but where the rest of his head is enclosed in black spandex) for over an hour sitting behind me. It IS the city. People do wear all sorts of outfits, but still.
Turns out the guy was a petty thief. Starbucks called the cops. And it wasn't too big of a deal. Did I give into unwarranted fear? Yeah, maybe. But I'd rather try to get to safety in a weird situation than not do anything.
This reminds me of something: Have you ever had people at coffee shops ask you to watch their laptop? Then they go off to grab a coffee or use the bathroom. This has only happened to me once, and I said 'yes' reflexively, and then couldn't figure out what I would do if someone ran off withtheir laptop. Was I supposed to leave my laptop and go running after the person? I was betting that when push came to shove, I wouldn't leave my seat. Why had I said 'yes'?!?!
I'm trying to think of a good line the next time someone asks me. I can't think of one except 'no.' Especially after Mr. Petty sat behind me. What do you do?
Other thoughts?
Sergio Leone, Westerns, writing in life, writing
Reader Comments (1)
Technically, they only asked you to watch their laptop - not defend it from thievery;-) You could always just shout,"HEY!" and that would pull their attention back to their stuff. Seriously, though, I am an automatic "sure" person, too, so I'm not sure how to respond better, either.