"If you, a half dozen vampires, and almost that many werewolves can't handle the action, then I don't think it matters."
"You're just comforting as hell."
"I know you, Anita. If I was any more comforting, you might refuse to hide."
"Twenty-four hours, Edward, then I want another plan. I am not going to hide at the bottom of a hole and wait for people to kill me."
"Agreed. I'll pick you up after you make your statement to the cops."
"Where do you get your information?"
He laughed, but it was harsh. "If I know where you'll be, so does someone else. Might ask your cop friends if they have a spare vest."
"You mean a bulletproof vest?"
"Couldn't hurt."
"Are you trying to scare me?"
"Yes."
"You're doing a good job."
"Thanks. Don't come out of the police station until I come in and get you. Avoid being in the open if you can."
"You really think someone else will try to hit me tonight?"
"We're planning for worst-case scenarios from now on, Anita. No more chances. I'll see you then." He hung up before I could say anything else.
I stood there holding the phone, scared. In all the panic with Monica and her baby, I'd almost forgotten that someone was trying to kill me. Probably not a good thing to forget.
I started to hang the phone up, but dialed Richard's number instead. He answered on the second ring, which meant he'd been waiting up. Damn.
"Richard, it's me."
"Anita, where are you?" His voice sounded relieved, then cautious. "I mean, are you coming back here tonight?"
The answer was no, but not for the reasons he feared. I told him what had happened, the shortest possible version.
"Whose idea was it that you stay with Jean-Claude?" There was a hint of anger in his voice.
"I am not staying with Jean-Claude. I am staying at the Circus."
"And the difference is what?"
"Look, Richard, I am too tired to argue with you about this. Edward suggested it, and you know he likes Jean-Claude even less than you do."
"I doubt that," he said.
"Richard, I did not call you to fight. I called to tell you what's happening."
"I appreciate the call." I'd never heard him sound so sarcastic. "Do you want your clothes?"
"Damn, I hadn't even thought about that."
"I'll bring them to the Circus."
"You don't have to do that, Richard."