“You know where he is right now? He’s fucking some new blonde, or a brunette, or both. But don’t worry, he’s not going to leave his wife for any of them, either. They never leave their wives, Ellen. That’s not just a lesson for this case, that’s a good lesson for you to remember. If he tells you he doesn’t want you but still fucks you anyway, don’t ever forget: he never lied to you. You are letting him treat you like this, Ellen. That’s the truth.”

She was crying soundlessly, mouth open in a wet red O. Staring straight out the window, her nose practically pressed against it. The kill shot was close. I could sense it.

“The whole production knows about the two of you. He’s screwing everything with tits, but they all know about you. How would they know, Ellen, unless you’ve been making yourself a spectacle over him? Pathetic.” I shook my head. She was crying so hard she was trembling, each sob rocking her back and forth slightly on the seat. “You have him right where you want him if you can be strong for me for a few more days,” I said, and I reached out and threaded my fingers through hers. She jerked away from me, but I was stronger and I held her tight when I said: “Make him pay, Ellen. We’re so close. Get back some dignity and make. Him. Pay.”

She didn’t look up as I turned the engine over, started to pull out of the cemetery and head back toward her apartment. She didn’t move at all.

I didn’t look at her again until I pulled up to her curb, and then I scanned her crumpled face. Her feet were curled under her like a little girl’s, and she clutched herself around the middle, like she was trying to keep herself together. Pink feathers on the seat, the car’s floor, her face. “Thursday,” I said, and we both knew it was a threat I meant to keep.

Ellen sobbed for a moment or two, her jaw mawing at the air like a gulping goldfish. Then, in the tiniest voice: “I’ll be there.” She didn’t look up as she clicked the car door open and climbed out. I knew she meant it. Thursday, she’d be my girl, and it would run smoothly, exactly the way it should have from the start.

Thursday would be fine. I just didn’t know what would be left of her on Friday.