A conversation on June 7, 1997, between Ruthann Aron and Montgomery County police Detective Terry Ryan, who is posing as a hit man:

[Aron tells Ryan she wants to "read about someone in the obits."]

TR: I'm not playing games....

RA: I hope you don't think I am.

TR: At this point, I don't, but you need to give me some assurances that you mean business.

RA: I understand why you ask that, and you have to realize, and I don't want you to take offense at this, I need to know I can trust you. Obviously, you need the same thing.

TR: You don't know me. I don't know you.

RA: That's better that way.

TR: That's good. I am satisfied on my end because of the way you came to it.

RA: Okay. And I feel somewhat [unintelligible]

TR: Okay. We can do some things to assure your end.

RA: Okay.

TR: How about this. ... [I have] no idea who we are talking about.

RA: Right. Is that gonna matter?

[unintelligible conversation takes place]

RA: ... Yeah, but if it has to be an accident?

TR: If it has to be an accident?

RA: Yeah. [pause] I shouldn't say "has to be," preferred.

TR: That's a big terminology.... Let's say 10 is a cap.

RA: Okay.

TR: And understand that I am not gonna keep coming back to the well.

RA: Oh, gee, I hope not.

TR: But if there's expenses associated with [unintelligible] an accident.

RA: I understand.

TR: Hotel rooms, [unintelligible].

RA: I understand.

TR: [unintelligible]

RA: I understand.

TR: Okay.

RA: Not a problem. So, if it's gonna be or it's preferred to be an accident at 10K plus whatever expenses there may be.

[more conversation]

TR: ... Okay. Are we talking about an obituary?

RA: Right.

TR: Okay. That's all you need for confirmation?

RA: Correct.

TR: Okay. Here's how we can proceed. I need to know who I am looking at.

RA: Hmm, hmm.

TR: ... information that I can get from you in advance [unintelligible] less expense on your part. In other words, if I don't have to do a lot of homework. ...

RA: Yeah.

TR: Then, uh

RA: You're talking about a, like a, [unintelligible] or maybe a photo.

TR: Yes. [unintelligible]

RA: Got that. I figured that might [unintelligible].

TR: Even a good physical description if you don't have a picture. If I am not sure after I take a look, then I'll try to reach you [unintelligible].

RA: Where will I meet you after today? Tell me what works for you.

TR: Are photographs feasible, or is that difficult?

RA: I will try.... What I thought I would do is see if I can accomplish that this week.