OOC:
this is a text problem
Devoid of context, as text is, it is almost always taken in the worst possible context.
And I think its no really an escalation to assume we are the only people without a desire to exploit Anwyn. Its not reasonable to assume that she is a member of the Jarreth family. It is reasonable to assume that kidnapping is a means nobility use to gain leverage over other nobles.
In point of fact, their good word is meaningless. Same with their name. Martin lied, by omission, but still a lie. In the same breath he claimed to be a noble, that Anwyn was his charge, and then proceeded to make demands without any proof.
Would you put a man like that in charge of your 3yr old daughter? I wouldn't.
When Crow escalates something to violence, mechanically he gets a free intimidate check when he strikes someone. So he will throw something harmless or slap nonlethally. It will be rakish, and obvious. He is a rake afterall. Until then, pointing fingers and clever insults directed at middle aged men demanding toddlers be handed over is just the role to play.
As long as weapons arent drawn no laws are broken. But, it is against the law to brandish a weapon in Waterdeep. And doubly illegal to threaten with them drawn. I stand with everyones reaction, the dude made each of us think he was a creep, lets trust the groups instincts.