“That’s an amazing story, Marshall.”
“They say they were always planning to have another child, regardless.” Marshall shrugged. “Grace and I talk about this invisible string that connects us. We always feel it, even now when she’s so far away.”
Marshall advanced his pawn. Sidney imagined the story of Grace’s younger brother saving her life would play strongly into her intention of changing the way America saw Grace Sebold.
“But you’ve still visited her, yes?” Sidney asked. “While she’s been in St. Lucia?”
“Whenever they decide to go. They claim they can’t afford to visit more than a few times a year.”
Sidney made another move. “It’s a long way, for sure. And expensive.”
“It’s their daughter,” Marshall said, moving another piece.
“Your mom told me a little about your accident.”
Marshall shrugged, keeping his focus on the board.
“Would you mind if I included your story in the documentary? Not just about the accident, but also about what you did for Grace to save her life?”
“Why?”
“Because it shows Grace in a different light than how she’s been portrayed for many years. I heard she decided to go into neurology so she could help people who had similar injuries as yours.”
“She changed to neurology because she felt guilty.”
“About the accident?” Sidney asked.
Marshall nodded. “It’s the same reason she bought me this chess set. Just another way to try to fix something that’s unfixable.”
“I’m sure everyone involved has regrets. Ellie Reiser, I’m sure,” Sidney said. “She was driving.”
Marshall remained silent as he continued to stare at the chessboard.
“I was hoping to ask you about Grace’s friends. You two are close in age. Did you hang out in the same circles?”
Marshall shrugged. “Before. Not so much after.”
“Before the accident?”
Marshall nodded.
“Can you talk about Grace’s friends?”
“Like who?”
“Ellie Reiser. Or Grace’s friendship with Daniel Greaves.They are the only two friends who have stayed in touch with Grace while she’s been in jail.”
Marshall let out a laugh. “I can tell you anything you want about those two.”
“Really? Anything? You know them that well?”
Marshall looked up at Sidney, finally taking his gaze off the chessboard. “Ever since the accident, people assume that I’m unaware of what goes on around me. That I don’t listen. Just because I don’t drool over their every word doesn’t mean I don’t hear their conversations. I listened a lot while I was in St. Lucia.”
“Listened to who?”
“Grace and her friends.”
“Can you tell me about any of it?”
