Paula headed back to the bar. “Frank, we’re going to put some snacks out for people in a few minutes. I’d like to offer everyone a round or two of drinks, as well. That might be welcome about now.”

He grinned. “I think that’s a fabulous idea.”

Paula took a deep breath and walked into the middle of the lobby.

“Could I get everyone’s attention, please?” Her voice seemed to wobble and echo in the room with its high ceiling. But the chattering quieted and people looked her way.

“I’d like to apologize for the weather. Unfortunately, we can’t control the power outage and we don’t know what time it will be back up. Hopefully soon. In the meantime, I’d like to invite you all to have a cocktail or two on us. Please head to the bar, and Frank can take your order. We’re going to have some snacks for you, as well, shortly.”

“Nice job,” David said when she walked back over to him.

“You really think so? I know it’s a little extravagant.”

He smiled. “And that’s why they come to the most expensive hotel on the island. For its legendary service. They’ll appreciate it and a drink or two will help to pass the time and take the edge off for them.”

Paula was relieved that he approved. His opinion mattered to her. She grinned. “Good. Want to help me carry the food out?”

Marco had heard their exchange. “I’ll help, too.”

Nick had everything ready for them and they carried out platters of cheese and crackers, plump shrimp with cocktail sauce on the side, bowls of salted nuts, and sliced salami and other cold cuts, patés, crusty sliced baguettes and a big platter of cookies and brownies.

The food and drinks were a hit and for the next few hours it felt a bit like a party in the lobby. Paula, David and Marco enjoyed a drink as well and snacked a bit.

“Has this ever happened on any of your other assignments?” Paula asked David.

“A few times, actually. One time in New York City on a really hot July night, there was a brownout and all of Manhattan went dark. That was fun. Picture all those tall buildings and no one can use the elevator.”

“What did they do?” Marco asked.

“They tried to do whatever they could, but it was limited. The lobby was dark, there were no candles because everything was all on a higher floor that they couldn’t access. They handed out snacks and it was mostly stuff from a vending machine, chocolate and chips, junk food. But they gave out beer and wine, too, from the hotel bar and that made people happy. The power finally came on a few hours later.”

He glanced at Paula. “You handled this about as well as you could. The food and drinks were a smart choice.”