A few days ago I was at my local building society. It was closing time (12 noon) so the staff locked the bank; only letting the customers out. However, some people came to the door (as people normally do even though they know it is closing time) and wanted to be let in. A member of staff told them that the building society was now closed. They went away all except a tall man (6ft plus) and a mature gentleman with a walking stick.
The tall man began banging at the door, insisting to be let in; he needed to get his new card as he had no money. The member of staff reminded him that the establishment was now closed. As staff tried to let the customers out, the man tried to force his way in, so the door had to be locked again. Customers were told to be patient and wait. When a second attempt was made to let them out; the man tried to force his way in once more. (He almost succeeded but the female member of staff was strong). In the end, she told customers to take a seat and wait. During this time the tall man was cursing, swearing the most vulgar profanities, punching and kicking the door fiercely. And we all watched this fearsome aggressor on the other side of the glass door.
It was interesting to watch the man’s behaviour. As he was cursing, he tried to mitigate his actions by saying that the mature man needed to get inside to draw some money. He also insisted that they had arrived at the building society 2 minutes before the actual closing time; Therefore they should be let in. I mused as he masked his conduct as someone caring for the elderly. The mature man in turn, rode on the energy of the aggressor. During the man’s violent outburst, he said “….if I can't come in, then no one is coming out..”
I further thought; if he had managed to force his way in, what did he suppose was going to happen next. (The building society was closed. Customers were waiting to go about their business.) Did he intend to hold the bank to ransom by physically man-handling a member of staff or public until he was served? And as for the mature gentleman (who should know better), did he really believe that this bully would gain entry and terrorise people on his behalf? Did he really believe that he could hitch a ride off this assailant and expect to be served?
The manager told the tall man that another building society just a mile or 2 away was open until 3 pm. But he did not want to listen. Did he feel he had to continue his stance to save face? (The old man was depending on him).
I said to myself, this is his local area, his local building society; he should know what time it closes. What was he doing all morning? As the man continued his terroristic behaviour, (The mature man remained; hoping his champion would come through for him.) As the minutes went by, the police was called.
And guess what happened next…… As a police car with sirens blaring pulled up outside the building; the old man quickly came to his senses and fled the scene. The tall man had a complete transformation and suddenly became meek and compliant; you’d think butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. Within a minute or two there were now 3 police cars and one van. If I had happened to be walking by at that moment, I would have thought the police was harassing an innocent, humble bystander. The aggressor’s demeanour was so reticent it was unbelievable. During this ‘quiet’ moment, the staff let myself and the other captures out from our confinement.
After a conversation with the man, the police let him go. I stood nearby as I wanted to see what would happen next and would you believe it. The aggressor got into his car which was parked next to the police cars a metre or so from the traffic lights on a double yellow line. He should think himself lucky he did not a caution or ticket for road traffic violation.
I wonder what he would say to his partner and children about his behaviour when he got home. And as for the old man; will he be telling anyone about his behaviour that morning. Does he still think himself a suitable candidate to dictate in any conversation to anyone, especially young adults about conduct when he himself rode of the energy of an aggressor to achieve his own agenda?
D. A. Martin
Bestseller Author of Broken Oath
www.doramartin.tel
