How does Steinbeck lead up to Lennie's death?

The moment Lennie kills Curley's wife tells us exactly where this story is headed. In retrospect Steinbeck has foreshadowed this conclusion since the story began. Running from the men in Weed, the emergency meeting place by the stream, and the killing of Candy's dog all point to the Steinbeck's poignant and tragic ending. Once Lennie inadvertently kills Curley's wife, we know that Lennie's end is near. The Ranch men, especially Curley, will want instant justice.