The Riverwalk: Following the directions on the recorded voicemail message, Emily parked and exited her car at the Jessup Green parking lot and stood for exactly five minutes without speaking to anyone. She knew she was being observed, probably from one of the large windows of the recently renovated Westport Library. The extortionist had told her to bring $5,000 in small unmarked bills or he would expose parts of her background she had thought had been forever buried. After the designated time had lapsed, she started in the direction of the Riverwalk adjacent to the Saugatuck River. Her dark mood was incompatible with the lovely grounds and park benches that enticed patrons and casual strollers to stop and enjoy. She paid no attention to either.

The proximity of the river, however, lured her to think of escaping from the despair encircling her. The water's shimmering reflections sporadically broken up with floating seagulls, captivated and then momentarily diluted the dread she felt moving toward the confrontation ahead with her past deeds.