Sofia chose the location carefully. The Riverside Park at midnight was empty enough to ensure privacy but public enough that neither of them would be completely vulnerable. Raymond had agreed to the location without question, which suggested to Sofia that he had resources and experience in conducting covert meetings.
She arrived at 11:50 PM, parking her car in the nearly empty lot and walking toward the park's main pavilion. The night was cold and clear, with the city lights reflecting off the river in scattered patterns. She was nervous but trying not to show it, aware that her body language might convey information she did not want to convey.
Raymond was already there, standing at the edge of the pavilion, looking out at the river. He was dressed well, much better than she remembered f
