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.
'Malls, too, can be dangerous. Especially dress shops,' she went on. 'If you want to try something on, don't hang your handbag on the hook on the door. Place your bag under a chair as far from the door as you can and throw your own clothing over it to conceal the bag.
'If you're going to a movie or the theater, don't sit at the end of a row. You're more vulnerable there. If you can help it don't sit near anyone who looks suspicious. Keep your handbag on your lap with your hands crossed over it. Don't put it under your seat at all costs. Someone behind you could just hook a foot under the chair and take it.'
Most of the class was making notes and Miss Welbourne waited patiently for them to catch up.
Then she went on. 'If you go to a bar or restaurant try to get a booth. If it isn't possible, sit where you aren't in a chair that many people have to walk by. Don't sit near an aisle that leads to the bathrooms. There will be a lot of people walking past you. Keep your handbag on your knees and cross your legs while you study the menu and eat. While you're waiting for your food to come, keep your bag in your lap with your hands crossed over it. Don't read a book or magazine while you are waiting for your drink or food. Keep an eye out for anyone who is staring at you and don't make eye contact once you realize it.
'There is another reason you want a booth if you can get one. That's so if you're young and pretty, you should put your drink as far away from people walking by as you possibly can. This date rape drug is getting to be a serious problem and it's so easy for a man to just pass his hand over a glass as he walks by.'
'Speaking of young and pretty, where is that cute little Sara girl? She's not here this time,' one of the women asked.
Miss Welbourne sighed. 'I wasn't going to tell you this, but I feel now that I must. The police alerted me this morning that her boyfriend beat her to death last night.'
Everyone exclaimed 'Poor girl' or 'What a tragedy' or simply, 'Oh no.'
Miss Welbourne looked as if she'd caved in on herself. 'I'm sorry to cut this class short, but I don't believe we can go on more today. At least, I can't. Go home.'
She left the room ahead of them, her briefcase in one
hand, and her handbag properly crossing her chest and in front of her.
'That's terrible news,' Shelley said on the way home. 'She was so young.'
'Young or old, it's tragic. It's probably the reason she was taking the class.'
'And maybe he found out she was doing so,' Shelley commented.
It wasn't until Jane had closed her kitchen door and set her purse on the kitchen table, that it occurred to her that Mel might be in charge of this murder case. And wouldn't get the day off tomorrow after all.
She tried to get him at his office. His secretary told her he was just finishing up in a meeting. He'd call back in ten minutes.
When he did, she told him what Miss Welbourne had said about Sara. 'You're not on this case, are you?'
'No. It was inner city. Your uncle Jim has it. Nice case just before he retires.'
'Nice?' Jane almost yelped.
'Well, not nice. But good for him. He's virtually solved it. Her blood is all over the boyfriend. All over the lamp he hit her in the head with and on the lamp cord he strangled her with.'
Jane sat down at the kitchen chair, stretching the phone cord as far as she could. This conversation made her woozy.
'I just meant that your uncle Jim will get the credit, and a lot of publicity to retire on. Leaving after all the photo flashbulbs as he announces that it's official that the case is solved.'
Jane got a grip on herself. 'So you'll be here when the architect meets with us?'
'Of course. Not my case. I'm free all day. I'm sorry Miss Welbourne told the class.'
'She was asked why the girl wasn't at the meeting this afternoon. She was so upset to say it that she dismissed the class early.'
'Speaking of the class, are you learning useful information?'
'Oh yes. She's told us lots of things we should have had the common sense to have realized and hadn't. There are just two more classes. Shelley and I are going to be much more careful of ourselves from now on. I'm glad you forced us to do this.'
'I didn't force you. Just suggested.'
'Hmmm,' was all Jane could say, except for adding, 'I'll see you at one then.'
Jane was surprised at Edgeworth's appearance. He'd sounded younger than he was. Well, of course. He went to school with her uncle Jim. He was wearing a lightweight tartan jacket, a red shirt, black trousers, and had a full head of thick curly white hair. 'Hello, Ms. Jeffry. Your uncle thinks the world of you.'
'He's not really my uncle. He's my parents' longtime best friend. And please call me Jane.'
'Call me Jack, then. And Detective VanDyne, may I call you by your first name?'
'Sure. I'm Mel.'
Jack put his briefcase down and pulled out a fresh legal pad and a yellow pencil. 'Let's start with the dining room. That's where we'll cut through. I've checked the code and regulations. You are able to extend the back of the house twenty-two feet.'
Jane led him to the dining room. He looked around. 'Nice room. Could that china hutch go on the end of the room or next to the window on the other side?'
'Sure. I can't move it myself. But if I empty it out and have help, we could put sliders under it.'
'Good. Now let me check the studs.'
He used a gadget that he moved across the room at the same height. A little red light showed up from time to time and the device made a feeble little beep. 'Just what I'd expected. The right intervals.'
He laughed. 'In the old days, I'd have tapped it with my knuckles and known from the sound where the studs were, but my son insists that I use this gadget. Do either of you care which end of the room you want the entrance door?'
Jane and Mel looked at each other and shrugged. 'I never thought about it. In the middle?'
Jack shook his head. 'That would break the look of this wall. I'd suggest the far wall. But still move that furniture so Mel doesn't have to walk around it. Now show me the basement.'
'The basement?'
