A drunk restaurant owner dumped scalding coffee on a customer’s head… But she was a federal judge who signed his arrest warrant from the ambulance.

The Saturday brunch rush at Meridian Bistro was in full swing. Two hundred customers packed the upscale Manhattan spot, three food bloggers livestreaming to their followers.

Margaret Cole sat quietly at table twelve, her white sundress pristine. She’d been looking forward to her day off from the federal courthouse.

“Excuse me,” she said politely to the server. “There’s a cockroach in my eggs Benedict.”

The server’s face went pale. “I’ll get the manager immediately.”

Within minutes, Gerald Morrison stormed from the kitchen, red-faced and reeking of whiskey. “What’s the problem now?”

“There’s a roach in my food,” Margaret said calmly.

“Bullshit!” Gerald slammed his hand on the table. “You planted that!”

The entire restaurant fell silent. Phones started recording.

“Sir, I simply want a replacement meal,” Margaret said evenly.

“You want to ruin my business with your lies!” Gerald’s voice echoed through the dining room.

He grabbed the coffee carafe from the next table. Before anyone could react, he dumped the entire pot over Margaret’s head.

Scalding coffee cascaded down her face and soaked her dress. Two hundred people gasped in horror.

“Get out of my restaurant, you nobody!” Gerald screamed.

Margaret stood slowly, coffee dripping from her chin. She reached into her soaked purse with steady hands.

She pulled out a leather wallet and flipped it open, revealing federal credentials.

“Judge Margaret Cole, Southern District of New York,” she said quietly.

The color drained from Gerald’s face.

“Health Department!” called a voice from table seven. Inspector David Chen stood up, badge in hand. “I’ve been documenting violations all morning.”

One of the livestreaming bloggers gasped. “Guys, fifty thousand people are watching this right now!”

Margaret pulled out her phone, coffee still dripping. “This is Judge Cole. I need NYPD at Meridian Bistro immediately. I’m pressing assault charges.”

“You can’t do this to me!” Gerald lunged forward.

Three customers stood up simultaneously. “He d