It was nearing seven by the time I finished my dinner and several cocktails. The coffee shop stood dark against the quiet of the lobby. The elevator and corridors were empty as if everyone was hibernating for the night. The green light blinked as I slipped the card into the door handle. I opened the door and was immediately struck by the sweet smell of chocolate lingering in the room. The light in my room was on. I set my shoulder bag down next to the door and walked further in. The bed was turned down. On top of the pillow sat three chocolate truffles in white paper wrappers. A folded piece of paper leaned up against the headboard. I opened the card and admired the beautiful penmanship as I read it.

Joe,

I hope you don't mind the intrusion. There are certain perks you get from working at the hotel, finding your room number is one of them. I want to apologize about this morning and hope you will let me make it up to you. No, I'm not lurking in the room as you read this note. I have a much better plan in mind. Held within one of the truffles is a small piece of paper. It will tell you where your next destination is. Follow the clues to each location for your reward.

I'll be waiting for you at your final destination.

Xoxo

Alan

I sat the note down and looked at the display of chocolates covering my pillow. A smile crossed my face. I took the first of the three truffles and popped it into my mouth. The sweet cream center melted down my throat as I bit into the hard candy shell. The second one broke in my hand. A small piece of paper fell from the center of the truffle and landed on the bed. I straighten out the paper and read the clue as I swallowed the mash of chocolate in my mouth.

Your next location lies between a rock and a hard place and is where one meets the numbers five and six and the double D. Knock three times to receive your next clue and a tasty treat.

I sat on the edge of the bed discouraged and frustrated. I flipped through the hotel's guest services binder, but nothing connected. I decided if I was going to make it through this strange scavenger hunt, I needed help. I bundled up for the growing snowstorm, grabbed my shoulder bag, Alan's clue, and left the room.

"Good evening, may I help you?" The concierge greeted me with a smile.

"This is going to sound strange, but I need your help figuring out a clue to a scavenger hunt." I handed him Alan's note. He looked at it. A smile crossed his face. "Do you know what it means?"

"Of course I do. I've lived in New York my entire life, but I can't help you."

"Why not?"

"Alan made me promise I wouldn't."

"You're in on this."

"Alan is a very special guy. He's very resourceful when he wants something. Judging from what he has put together, I would say it's you that he wants."

"Please, you have to help me. It's my first time in New York, and I have no idea what this is referring to." The man offered the note back to me. I looked at the clue and then back at the concierge. I gave him a pleading look. "Please, I'm leaving New York as soon as the storm breaks. This may be my last chance to see Alan."