As it happened, Mel called Jane later in the day and said, "Want to go to your favorite pricey restaurant tonight? I have something to tell you about."

He sounded so serious that Jane was scared. Was he getting ready to dump her just as she was about to propose marriage?

"Of course I'd like that," she said, trying to make it sound as if she meant it.

"You sound wary," Mel said. "It's not a bad thing. Just something I suggest you and Shelley might want to do."

Jane sat down at the kitchen table, thinking that he'd come to understand her a little bit too well. "I can't wait to hear what it is. What time should I be ready?"

"I've already made reservations for seven. Is that okay?"

"It's fine. I'll leave a sandwich and chips for Todd." "Can't he do that himself?" Mel asked, sounding sincerely confused.

"Sure he could. But I'm a mom."

Mel was quiet but relaxed as they drove to the restaurant. They always had a private booth where they couldn't be overheard. The waiter handed them the poster-sized menus, asked if they wanted a drink while they studied the menu, and disappeared to get each of them a glass of the house merlot.

They both knew what they wanted. Jane chose a green salad and chicken scalloppine. Mel wanted a salad and the largest filet mignon on the menu. They might choose desserts later.

The waiter returned with the restaurant's signature rye bread rolls and butter along with their drinks, took their orders, and disappeared.

"What is it you wanted to tell me about?" Jane asked when she'd finished a roll and tasted her drink.

"It's about your and Shelley's safety."

"I don't understand. Is this police work? Are we in some kind of danger we don't know about?"

"In a way. But it's not a police secret. Women are attacked far more often than men. Men tend to fight back, and I don't think either of you would have the strength to do so. There is this tough old woman who teaches women how to better protect themselves. I thought