CHAPTER 55
DERRICK STOOD IN CENTRAL PARK WITH HIS EQUIPMENT BAG ON THE ground next to him and his backpack strapped over his shoulders.
He’d done a lot for this documentary in the last few months: traveling to St. Lucia, late-night shoots with seedy detectives, filming dead bodies being knocked around in a morgue.
He was, as the reckless players liked to say at his card games, all in.
So when Sidney called him late last night and asked for a favor on Saturday afternoon, he never considered saying no.
He spotted Grace when she entered the park.
She wore big aviator sunglasses, which hid her eyes, and an NYU hat pulled low over her head.
She was a quasi-celebrity and still keeping a low profile.
Unlike their shoot at the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was remote and isolated and allowed Grace Sebold some freedom, Central Park was congested on Saturday afternoon.
The disguise was necessary. But the park had been one of her favorite spots, and she wanted to do the interview there.
Derrick waved when Grace was closer and they moved to a secluded bench under a maple tree.
“Where’s Sidney?” Grace asked.
Derrick smiled and delivered the favor he promised. “She’s running late. She’ll be here in a bit.”
He pointed toward Belvedere Castle. “Let’s get some stills by the castle and at the Ramble before it gets too crowded. Sidney will be here by the time we’re done.”
Grace nodded, pulled the cap lower on her head, and followed Derrick as they walked through Central Park.