Enigma Tracer

After a jam-packed conference, all Gracie wanted was to return to the hotel and unwind. The problem with newly earned notoriety is that everyone wanted to camp on.

Just as they crossed the threshold of the Hotel Toren, Daan Jensen, the concierge, called out, “Ms. Rodreguiz, a word please.”

She looked quizzically at Jeff then back to the fast-approaching man. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, trying to hold on a little longer before the promised massage.

“The hotel wishes to extend our warmest congratulations on your outstanding presentation,” Daan said. “We listened to the playback. You spoke with poise and authority. You’ve become something of a celebrity to the locals. Our staff is becoming overrun fielding requests for meetings, or at least introductions. I judge these requests as too intrusive and have alerted the staff to the proper responses. However, with your consent, we’d appreciate permission for our staff photographer to take shots of you with them. People like staying in places where famous people visited, so we’d use those publicity shots to boost our social media campaign. It would be a boon for the team at the hotel. To show our gratitude, I promise a free extra night stay, gourmet in-suite meals and wines at no cost to you for the remainder of your stay.”

Maintaining her pleased expression while suppressing the urge to run screaming from the hotel, Gracie offered out of the side of her mouth to Jeff, “Holy crap, winged avenger! What do we do now?”

Jeff smiled as a professional, and promptly replied, “Daan, please forgive our reluctance to participate, but Ms. Rodreguiz is very conscious of her branding. This appears a little too commercial for her professional role representing World Bank.”

Somewhat crestfallen, Daan pleaded, “Oh, is there no possibility of leveraging the moment for both of our situations?”

Gracie leaned forward as an idea formed. “My support could have a price, Daan. I’ll agree to take part as described, but I want to see a worthy charity included. I would also like reassurances that this charity would receive any proceeds generated from the activity. Will that be agreeable?”

Gracie felt Jeff squeeze her hand like a gentle reassurance.

“Those terms are better than outstanding, madam. I’ll provide you the details of what we consider a worthy charity. It’s just down the street.”

“If it is the continuing efforts to eradicate the injustices individuals like Anne Frank face in today’s world, then we are aligned, Daan.”

Jeff quietly offered, “Gracie, put on your dancing shoes ’cause the party isn’t over.”