They left her groping for words, still trying to explain. The door to Ruby’s room was open. She was literally throwing her things into an oversize black duffel. Most of the clothes were black, waving like funeral banners as they leapt from the drawer to the bag. Her room was prison-cell spare—a full-size bed with a blanket on top, and a dresser topped with a boom box. Nothing hung from the walls, and there was nothing on the floor other than the hardwood. No mirrors, no TV. Yet the woman was immaculately groomed. Wanda walked a few steps and peeked into the bathroom. It was filled with bottles and jars sitting on the rim of the bathtub. And it did have a mirror over the sink.

“Where are you going?” Wanda asked in a disinterested tone.

“None of your business.” Ruby didn’t bother to look at them when she talked. “Now that I said that, I’ll tell you. Probably back up to Northern Cal. But maybe not.”

“Silicon Valley?” Webster said.

“Depends what’s in it for me.” She stuffed a pair of Levi’s into a side pocket. Then she took out a very skimpy leather bustier and placed it over her midriff top. “What do you think?”

No one answered.

“Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking…no support for my boobs.” She cupped her breasts. “Thirty-six D. All flesh, no implants. Weep your heart out.” She tossed the bra over to Martinez. “Give it to your wife or your girlfriend.” She tossed him a pair of panties. “Think of me the next time you fuck.”

Martinez tossed both articles back at her. “I’ll pass. Where were you yesterday morning?”

“Masturbating in my bed.”

“What time?” Martinez said evenly.

“I dunno. Nine, ten…I didn’t bother looking at the clock.”

“The act doesn’t take that long,” Wanda said. “What did you do afterward?”

“I dunno. Showered, shaved my legs, took a dump…the usual. I wasn’t anywhere near the synagogue. Yes, I admire Hitler, but painting juvenile slogans on walls and leaving pictures of dead bodies is infantile.” She smoothed her polished hair with bitten fingernails. “I’m not a Nazi…fascism holds no interest for me. It’s the evil leaders that I find utterly fascinating. Those who start out in the extremities of society and somehow wangle their way to the top. It’s more of an indictment of the public than it is of them. Nothing can exist without public support.” She grinned at them. “Even cops…especially cops.” She tossed the leather bra to Wanda. “How about it, sister? Goes well with your complexion.”

Wanda tossed it back. “I’m not your sister, and I prefer colors. I outgrew Goth a long time ago.”