I felt both tough and holy. In my heart of hearts, however, I was dying to be a hero. I wanted a chance, an absolutely legitimate opportunity whereby I might save the innocent by destroying the guilty. I said to myself as I got to my feet. This slob, this animal, is drunk and mean and violent.
People are in danger.
If I don't do something fast, somebody will probably get hurt. I'm gonna take his ass to the cleaners. Seeing me stand up, the drunk saw a chance to focus his rage. He punched the metal pole once to give weight to his words. I held on lightly to the commuter strap overhead.