There was a convenience store opposite the bar in the hotel lobby, and the plan was for Lesley to drink a round, order another, then ask Chad to go buy a couple mini-bottles of Jack Daniel’s so they could “take the party” to her room. While he was gone, she’d drop the drug in his drink. Lesley said that her guy said the ketamine would take about twenty minutes to kick in, and Claudia’s Googling found the same thing. Three drops, apparently. So, when Chad brought back the mini-bottles she’d tell him to drink up and settle the check.

At just after ten, Lesley texted that they were headed up. Claudia slid the mirrored closet door open and got into place, wedged beside the wall-mounted iron, hangers inches from her forehead, the Louis Vuitton at her feet. She waited, and after a few minutes heard the beep and click of the door opening.

“Not bad for a Holiday Inn,” said Chad.

“Snob,” Lesley teased. They were inches from the closet mirror.

“Next time I’ll take you someplace really nice,” he slurred.

“Will you? You’re so sexy.”

Kissing.

“Mm, you taste good,” said Lesley. Claudia could smell his cologne. “I’ll open the Jack, you get on the bed. I’ve got ideas.”

“Ideas, huh?”

“Promise you won’t tell anybody?”

“Promise.”

“I did some strippin’ back in Atlanta. You want a little show?”

“Oh, yeah,” said Chad. Claudia wished she could see his face. She imagined his slavering smile. Thinking: How’d I get so lucky?

“Just lie down. Let me take care of you.”

She heard Lesley unscrew the bottles and pour their contents into glasses. Footsteps.

“Hey,” said Lesley. “Hey. You awake? You awake?”

A moment later the mirrored door opened.

“He’s all yours.”

Claudia stepped out and there was Chad Drake, lying on the bed. One shoe on, one shoe off. His oxford tucked into dark jeans. A leather belt, a clean white undershirt, a watch she knew cost thousands of dollars.

“How would you feel about me taking that watch?” asked Lesley.

“Are you sure he’s out?”

“Go check if you want.”

Claudia walked to the edge of the bed. “Chad? Chad?” She shook his socked foot. Shook it harder. Then she poked his chest. He was out.

“Take it,” she said.

Lesley wasted no time, and as she unhooked her bonus, Claudia got the envelope of cash from the duffle bag.

“Where are you headed?” she asked Lesley as she handed over the money.

“I figure it’s best to get out of the city for a little bit,” said Lesley. “Perfect time for a vacation.”

“What about your job?”

“Hooters? My boss is cool. There’s a million girls that can cover my shifts.”

They agreed to delete each other from their phones and said goodbye.

“Be careful,” said Lesley as she left.

“You, too.”