"How did you get this number?"
He was quiet for a second. "Child's play."
"Why did you hunt me down, Edward? What's up?"
"Interesting choice of words," he said.
"What are you talking about?"
"I was just offered a contract on your life, for enough money to make it worth my while."
It was my turn to be quiet. "Did you take it?"
"Would I be calling you if I had?"
"Maybe," I said.
He laughed. "True, but I'm not going to take it."
"Why not?"
"Friendship."
"Try again," I said.
"I figure I'll get to kill more people guarding you. If I take the contract, I only get to kill you."
"Comforting. Did you say guard?"
"I'll be in town tomorrow."
"You're that sure someone else will take the contract?"
"I don't even open my door for less than a hundred grand, Anita. Someone will take the hit, and it'll be someone good. Not as good as me, but good."
"Any advice until you get into town?"
"I haven't given them my answer yet. That'll delay them. Once I say no, it'll take a little time to contact another hitter. You should be safe tonight. Enjoy your weekend off."
"How did you know I had the weekend off?"
"Craig is a very talkative secretary. Very helpful."
"I'll have to speak to him about that," I said.
"You do that."
"You're sure that there won't be a hitter in town tonight?"
"Nothing in life is sure, Anita, but I wouldn't like it if a client tried to hire me and then gave the job to someone else."
"You lose many clients at your own hands?" I asked.
"No comment," he said.
"So one last night of safety," I said.
"Probably, but be careful anyway."