There didn't always have to be a reason for someone trying to kill him. Unfortunately, this was a natural state of life. But here, John had no reputation, or so he thought.
Quickly ditching the broken glass because he couldn't very well combat it with a fire poker John jumped up the table and off onto the other side to put some distance between himself and the woman flailing to attack him. Sorry taxidermy guests, doll heads rolling about and clacking to the floor along with silverware. "You'll have to be more specific." At least this may put some perspective on not everyone being safe and wanting to get out. Not a shock.
Her fighting was erratic and emotional but he didn't know her to warrant such a feeling. "Do you not like people talking to Richie? Because he's the one who asked me for coffee." People could get overprotective. All the same, John kept poised at the end of his table and waited for another outburst. Or, if he were lucky, an explanation.