He tiptoed over until he was in talking distance. She didn’t notice him. How could she notice him? She seemed incapable of moving her head. The smell was strong and unpleasant. Jacob wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, staring as the seconds ticked on.

Her eyes were closed, her head a turban of bandages. What showed through was red and raw and swollen. A swath of gauze cut through the center of her face, hiding her nose and cheeks. He could see chipped teeth through her mangled lips.

She had been in the hospital for three days. She had asked for him. It had taken him a full twenty-four hours to shore up his courage.

The eyelids lifted, her brown orbs swimming in a sea of jaundice yellow and blood red. They glommed on to Jacob and looked him up and down. She muttered. He couldn’t understand, so he stepped closer.

She whispered, “You’ve grown.”

Jacob licked his lips. “Couple of inches.”

“What are you?” she slurred out. “Six, six-one?”

“A little under six, actually. The shortest male in my family.”

“Yeah…” Breathy voice. “Your old man is real tall.”

“He doesn’t count.” Jacob winced. “I mean he doesn’t count genetically. He’s my stepfather.”

“That’s right.” As Ruby moved her head, her eyes registered pain. “So what’d you tell him?”

“Everything.”

The purple lids raised a fraction of an inch.

“I had to tell him about the place, so I had to tell him everything.” Jacob forced himself to look at her. “He felt your life was in danger.”

She closed her eyelids. “Pretty good for a kike…never thought a prick like you…would do it.”

Jacob didn’t respond, staring at her bandaged face. “I guess the fantasy of rape is better than the reality.”

The lids snapped up, her expression ugly and angry. “You shit!”

His voice rose. “I became dirt in my father’s eyes to save your life, and you have the gall to call me a kike and a prick?”

“Shut the fuck up, okay?” She was breathing heavily. She spoke softly and slowly. “Worse things in life than being a kike and a prick.” She closed her eyes again. “I’m going to jail. Not for the murders—I didn’t know—but for computer stuff. I’ve got half of Quantico outside.” An attempt at a smile. “Like I could go somewhere.”

Jacob didn’t answer.

“I’m first…time felon with an…abusive father. I should get probation. No chance. Too many people dropped. I gotta do time.”

“I’m sorry,” Jacob lied.

“No you’re not.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

The shredded lips formed something that approximated a smile. “Whatever! I’ll sell the movie rights for millions. Besides…dykes are okay. I like boys better, but…I can suck pussy better than any guy.”

“You rock, Ruby.”