The Night Before the Demonstration
Ruth made an exception to her rule and invited Jarvis to spend the night at her condo. She didn’t want him hanging out at the Barracks and possibly opening his mouth. It was risky; Dena wanted Ruth to come over and rehearse her speech, but Ruth convinced her to talk on the phone, since they both needed a good night’s sleep.
She ordered pizza with bacon and onions, Jarvis’s favorite, and made sure there was plenty of beer. She hoped he’d get high and pass out early so they could get an early start. But Jarvis was in an uncharacteristic talkative mood.
“When will the yurt be delivered?” he asked between beers. He was already loose and feeling no pain.
“She said about six weeks. They have to customize it, and that takes time.”
He looked disappointed, and his voice sounded like a childish whine. “That means I won’t be able to use it this winter.”
“Probably not. But you’ll be in there by spring. That should be lovely.”
He thought about it. “I guess.”
She went into the kitchen. “Need another beer?” She couldn’t hear his reply but brought him one anyway.
“You’re not drinking?”
“I’m a little nervous. You know, about tomorrow.”
“Piece of cake.” He grinned. “I haven’t used the rifle in a few months. But it’s like riding a bike. I’m looking forward to it.”
She dropped a kiss on his forehead. “Well, that’s the right attitude.” She sat in the La-Z-Boy. “Have you seen Beef Jerky recently?”
“Yesterday.”
“What’s up with him?”
“Not much. Why?”
“Just wondering.”
He chugged half his beer. “That’s funny. He asked me about you, too.”
“Really? What did he say?”
“That I should keep my eye on you. He thinks you’re sneaky.”
Sudden fear twisted her stomach. “What does that mean?”
Jarvis narrowed his eyes. “Dunno. He’s always saying shit like that about people.”
Ruth relaxed a tad. “Oh.”
“So why does the buzzer say Ruth Marriotti instead of Nicole? I thought you owned this place.”
“I do.” Ruth had to think fast. “I bought it from someone named Ruth. Just haven’t had the time to change it. I tell people I’m in 3B. Hasn’t been a problem. But you’re right. I should change it. I’ll do it tomorrow . . . Well”—she smiled—“maybe the day after. You’ll be halfway to Minnesota by then.” She changed the subject. “So you gonna finish that pizza? Let me get you another slice.”
She hurried into the kitchen and checked the time. Dena was supposed to have called half an hour ago. She was probably rehearsing with Curt. That was better. Ruth wasn’t sure she could handle Dena tonight, knowing what was coming just twelve hours later.
Everything was in place. The Bushmaster, the detonator attached to the alarm clock, new batteries for the clock. It would be over soon. She would begin a new life.
She faked a yawn. “Well, I think it’s time for bed. What do you think?”
“I’ll just finish my beer . . .”
Eventually Jarvis came to bed and reached for Ruth. After sex, which lasted longer and was hotter than usual, he fell off. But Ruth tossed and turned. What had Beef Jerky really said to Jarvis? Had he told him about Ruth’s plan? Did he order Jarvis to kill her in addition to Dena? The more she mulled it over, the more apprehensive she grew. Beef Jerky might have been orchestrating the entire event, playing Jarvis and Ruth off against each other. Maybe Jarvis knew she wasn’t Nicole. How could she find out? It was too late. Everything was in place. There was nothing she could do. She felt paralyzed.