"I'll call him back right now and tell him to pick the time and let you know."

When she reached Mr. Edgeworth, she said, "Mel and I are both free anytime today in the afternoon if you wish to choose a time."

"How about one in the afternoon? I have an appointment this morning."

"May I confide in you?" Jane asked.

"I suppose so."

"Whatever amount of space Detective VanDyne suggests, increase it by half. He's worrying that it will be too expensive. And I'm not."

The man chuckled. "Half again as big is nowhere near half again the price. I'll make that clear. Give me your address and I'll get my secretary to check the city codes and setback allowances and all that bothersome stuff before I come over."

Jane reported back to Mel and he agreed to the time. She didn't mention her concerns about the size, but did pass on that Mr. Edgeworth would know all the township rules before he arrived.

The class in Women's Safety was about traveling around. "If you get off the El at the wrong station, and find your‑

self in a frightening part of town, go to the nearest shop, a deli or such. Be very pleasant to the clerk. They're more likely to be helpful. Find out when the next train comes. Most places carry schedules. Buy something. A bottled drink and a pack of chips, and if you prefer to ask them to call a taxi for you, wait inside at a window for it, not on the street, exposing yourself to criminals."

Miss Welbourne paused for this to sink in and then added, "Make sure you look confident. Don't fret or look as if you're scared. Don't stand around reading a map or a magazine. Keep your eyes out for anyone watching you. If you've called a taxi, walk briskly out of the shop and get in it fast. Same thing if you go back to the El station. Stand on the platform looking brisk and confident. Not worried. Keep your back to a wall so nobody can come up behind you.