"But all those people, you can't put them in danger," Richard said.
Edward looked at me and didn't say what he was thinking. I was grateful for that. "I think Edward has a plan for that, too, Richard."
"I think they'll hit you on the way home from the club. Why work in the middle of a crowd if they don't have to? Plant a bomb on the limo, or wait until you're alone on the drive back."
"Is that what you would do?" Richard asked.
Edward looked at him for a moment, then nodded. "Probably. Not the bomb, but I'd hit the limo."
"Why not the bomb?" Richard asked.
I didn't ask, because I knew the answer. Edward's eyes flicked to me. I shrugged.
"Because I like to kill up close and personal. With a bomb there's no personal risk."
Richard stared at him, studying his face. He finally said, "Thank you for answering the question."
Edward acknowledged him with a nod. Richard was gaining brownie points from both of us. But I knew that Richard had illusions. If Edward seemed to like him, Richard would assume Edward wouldn't kill him. I knew better. If the situation called for it, Edward could pull the trigger on anyone.
"Let's say you're right," I said. "I go on the date and let the hitter make his move. Then what?"
"We take him out."
"Wait a minute," Richard said. "You're betting that the two of you are better than a professional assassin. That you'll get to him before he gets to Anita."
We both nodded.
"What if you're not better?"
Edward looked at him like he'd said the sun wouldn't rise tomorrow.
"Edward will be better," I said.
"You'd bet your life on that?" Richard asked.
"I am betting my life on that," I said.
Richard looked a touch pale. He nodded. "I guess you are. What can I do to help?"
"You heard Edward," I said. "You stay here."
Richard shook his head. "I heard, but surely in a crowd of people even Superman will need a few more eyes and ears. The pack can help watch your back."
"It doesn't bother you to endanger them?"
"You said you'd risk almost anyone to keep me safe," Richard said. "I feel the same way."
"If they want to volunteer, that's one thing, but I don't want them ordered into it. People aren't good bodyguards if they resent doing it."
Richard laughed. "Very practical. For a second there, I thought you were really worried about my wolves."
"Practical will keep me alive, Richard, sentimentality won't."
"If we had some extra watchers, it'd free me up a little," Edward said.
I looked at him. "You'd trust monsters to watch my back?"
He smiled, and it wasn't pleasant. "Monsters make excellent cannon fodder."