My mind raced as I drove to the hotel. I'd been here so many times for so many varied encounters by now. My heart thumped. I had a feeling in my gut that this had Jess behind it. I felt like the St. Regis had to be a hint. It was a good thing the drive was only fifteen minutes. Three minutes later, I rapped on the door of the suite.

For long seconds, the door remained closed. I listened closely for any sounds of movement, but there were none. Then, suddenly, the door swung open. And no one was there. I took a tentative step forward. My eyes darted...