Fifteen minutes later the service elevator opened, and three servers appeared pushing wheeled carts. The carts were laden with food and booze. One of the cuter servers handed something to Ridley who shook his head and pointed at me. She walked over and handed me a room key. The server, Brandy by name, told me it was on the floor directly below this one. If I needed anything I was supposed to ask for her by name.

We stayed at the party for another hour before heading down one flight of stairs. We reached our room and I shivered. Despite the time of the year the spot just in front...