Enigma Tracer

Before she knew it, the day arrived to travel to the conference. The direct flight  from New York to Amsterdam was smooth with customs but a modest formality. Their hotel transport driver had barely raised the name plaque sign when they found him. Jeff assisted with loading the luggage, and they were whisked away to their romantic destination.

Gracie, admiring their surroundings, offered, “Jeff, I love the subtle elegance of the herringbone pattern on this brickwork walkway. It’s so even.” She performed an exaggerated soft shoe, the toe of her heels marking out The Toren Hotel’s stone step entry. She glanced at the façade, then the transfixed Jeff. “The walkway, not my leg.”

Jeff smiled and shook his head as if recovering from a sucker punch. “Damn nice legs, though.”

Gracie blushed, immediately flashing on the passion potential for their first night in Amsterdam. She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. Finding the suitcase handle, she grabbed it and tucked her other hand into the crook of his elbow. “Let’s check in, drop our bags, and go discover Amsterdam. The Anne Frank house is nearby. I’d love to check it out in the daylight. The skies are clear, and the temperature is perfect for walking. Wouldn’t you like to stretch your legs after that long flight from New York? Today is our play day.”

“Play or walk, tough choice. Gracie, my sweet, I haven’t seen this side of you before. Are you still a bit buzzed from the champagne on the flight?”

“Maybe,” she grinned, “but I’m delighted to be here with you. I’m getting a touch of nerves about the conference tomorrow.”

“You’re gonna be great. Come on, you, let’s get to our room, change, and go sightseeing.”

Gracie looked around as if reconnoitering their upcoming walk. “Which way should we go first?”

“We can ask for directions to Anne Frank’s, but I vote we start at the bakery next door, and snag something sweet and spicey. Doesn’t that aroma tempt you?”

Gracie laughed and tugged his arm as she started up the steps. “I can smell the chocolate in the air.”

“Your right, honey. But there’s something mixed with it, some sort of spice.”

She inhaled. “Definitely cinnamon. We’ll get the goodies, then walk off the calories.”

“Deal.”

Jeff joined her, chuckling while they entered the hotel. They approached the check-in desk and handed their passports to Sophie, according to her nametag. “Good morning and welcome. You’re checking in?”

Gracie grinned, observing Sophie’s fingers flying across the keyboard.

The clerk slightly frowned. “One moment. I need to verify something.” Sophie picked up the phone and quietly spoke into it.

Gracie raised an eyebrow, then shook off her worry and murmured to Jeff. “It’ll be fine. We’re expected. My admin confirmed when we landed, so we’re good.”

Sophie hung up and smiled. “Someone will be here shortly.”

A tall man emerged from behind a door with a serious expression and motioned them to join him at the adjacent window.

“Ms. Rodreguiz, Mr. Wood, I’m Daan Jensen, the concierge. We had a booking issue that altered your reservation. Instead of the room you requested here on the ground floor, we’ve had to move you to the honeymoon suite. It has a wonderful view.”

Gracie felt astonished. Jeff looked skeptical.

Daan continued, “There’s no additional charge to you for our mistake. We’re including the normal perks of the room for the inconvenience.”

Gracie glanced at Jeff and grinned. “Daan, this is a stunning windfall. Thank you for finding us a room. We know how crowded you must be with the Global Conference starting tomorrow.”

“Yes, madam. We know you’re one of the featured speakers.”

Gracie delivered a gracious, practiced smile and blinked her eyes. “Thank you, again.”

Jeff grinned and pulled her closer, showing support and a bit of pride. “Daan, Gracie and I need to drop our luggage and go see your beautiful city after grabbing a bite to eat. Can you provide directions to a couple of sights we shouldn’t miss, especially Anne Frank’s?”

“Yes, sir, of course. I’ll also call and let Sven know you’ll be by after lunch at the bakery. He’s the best at telling stories and history.” Carefully writing down the directions and reviewing them verbally, he handed her the paper.

Gracie safely secured the directions in her purse. “This is great. Thanks, Jeff. Are you ready?”

Jeff accepted the card key from Daan and waggled his eyebrows toward Gracie. “Always for you, my dear.”

Grabbing their bags and holding hands, they went to the open elevator. When the door closed, Gracie did a short happy dance and pressed the button for the top floor. “I love how things work out. Isn’t it great being us?”